Sydney FC striker Shane Smeltz is unhappy about being benched for Saturday night's clash against Melbourne City in what he says is the first time he's been dropped from a starting line-up while fully fit.
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The New Zealander played a full 90 minutes in the Sky Blues' stalemate with Melbourne Victory last week but will have to settle for a seat on the pine with the return of Austrian target man Marc Janko from international duty.
Smeltz was not told why he was dropped from the starting line-up and is disappointed with the unfamiliar feeling of a demotion from the first XI. He was under the impression he would retain his place in the first team and partner Sydney's marquee, Janko, in attack but found he would be overlooked for an alternate strike partnership that could see Alex Brosque in a more advanced role.
"I can't lie, I'm not happy about it, it's frustrating and that's probably a natural feeling. I think it's the first time in my history in the A-League that I've played a full 90, been fit with no issues and then dropped to the bench the next week. It's the first time it's happened. That's something new to me and I have to deal with it this week," Smeltz said. "It was obviously pleasing to get a run last week and play the full 90 but I'm a little bit disappointed."
The A-League's second all-time leading goalscorer is yet to open his account for his new club as a minor injury delayed his full debut but insists the competition of Sydney's attacking line-up is not hindering his personal targets.
"We're in a team that's got a lot of depth but I still back myself and I still believe that when I'm fit I know what I can do and everyone knows what I can do. I still have high demands of myself and expect to play and that's not always your own opinion, it doesn't count for everything but you have to deal with what comes your way. Whenever I play, I'll do my best," Smeltz said.
The New Zealand striker is now 33 but has no plans to hang up his boots and is as hungry to score goals as he was when he first moved to the A-League in 2007.
"For me nothing changes," he said. "You're either a hunger-driven player or you're not. Certainly for me, when you've tasted success you want more. For me, my desire is still as strong as ever and I go out every game wanting to perform, wanting to score and obviously doing well for the team. I'll continue to do that and the day that goes, you've got something to worry about."
