Swindon Town goalkeeper Phil Smith prepares to shut out a rampant Leeds United this afternoon and admits: "I can't afford to make a mistake."

Smith is set to make a fourth consecutive appearance following his reinstatement to the side last month to replace the out-of-form Peter Brezovan.

The Slovakian stopper, however, is waiting eagerly in the wings for a chance at redemption and Smith knows that any errors could pave the way for Brezovan's rapid return.

He found that to his cost last season after getting a chance to stake a claim for the first time under new boss Maurice Malpas only to spurn it by conceding nine goals in four games.

And Smith is determined not to waste his latest opportunity with Brezovan breathing down his neck.

He said: "I didn't take that chance last season and I have been paying for it ever since.

"Last season was a bit of a write off for me even though I started it well enough.

"I picked up a groin injury that gave Peter his chance and then when I did get back in I was disappointed with how I played in those four games.

"I have had to try and prove myself all over agin in training.

"I didn't do very well the last time the new manager gave me a chance and I can't afford to have any mishaps this time.

"I have to be better than before because Peter is waiting in the wings for his chance again."

He added: "I am fairly happy with how things have been going.

"I made a mistake in the first game back and it led to a goal but that is something you have to put behind you quickly.

"I have been positive all season even when I was on the bench.

"I have come back fitter and stronger and am feeling really good in myself at the moment."

Town have yet to manage a clean sheet so far this season with calamatous individual errors rather than the genral defensive organisation to blame.

Smith, though, is confident that a shut out is just around the corner – despite facing up to a side that plundered five goals against Crewe last weekend.

"We have been defending well in general and have just been getting punished for individual mistakes," Smith agreed.

"We deserved a clean sheet at Hereford last Friday and it won't be long before we get one.

"We look like a team that can score goals and if we can start keeping them out at the other end we will be all right.

"If we can keep a clean sheet it takes a lot of pressure of the rest of the team."

Gary McAllister's side, however, have an array of attacking talents to test Smith and the rest of the back four to the limit.

Town, though, will be backed by a fervent support with over 13,000 expected to come through the turnstiles and Smith added: "I played in the Leeds game at home last season and it was a great atmosphere.

"We have had a few positive results in the last couple of weeks and it will be good to get back in front of our own fans and put on a show.

"They should have got promoted last year and were unlucky to miss out in the play-offs after starting the season with 15 points less than everybody else.

"They are a strong team who will be there or thereabouts so if we can get a result it would suggets to us that we can mix it with the top sides."

Swindon (from) P Smith, Brezovan, Amankwaah, J Smith, Ifil, Aljofree, Casal, McGovern, Easton, Timlin, Nalis, Marshall, McNamee, Paynter, Cox, Corr.