Smith to sit out rest of A-League season after surgery
BRISBANE Roar captain Matt Smith will miss the remainder of season after surgery on his hip yesterday.
English-born Smith, who recently gained Australian citizenship, has not played or trained in more than four weeks.
His last appearance for the Roar came in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle Jets last month.
"I am bitterly disappointed to be out for the rest of the season," Smith said.
"I am still confident the rest of the boys can finish off the season well and I'm now firmly focused on working hard in my recovery."
Meanwhile, Catania defender Nicola Legrottaglie has said he would love to join former teammate Alessandro Del Piero in the A-League.
"It would be a pleasure to play with Alex Del Piero," Legrottaglie said in an interview with La Repubblica yesterday.
Legrottaglie, 36, said Australia "fascinates" him and with his contract expiring in June he has made it clear he is interested in playing abroad if Catania does not offer him another deal.
The central defender played 147 games for Juventus between 2003 and 2011.
