There is still no firm expectation of when he will be able to resume full training, let alone be involved on matchdays for the Robins. Manager Ian Holloway said that the lengthy absence continues to impact Smith psychologically as well as physically.

The midfielder did not feature either at Salford City last weekend or in the EFL Trophy loss at home against Newport County on Tuesday, and on Thursday, manager Ian Holloway confirmed that the player requires specialist assessment to determine the full extent of the damage.

ANALYSIS: Unfortunately, put consecutively, the results and elements of the performances have compounded the sense of despondency around the County Ground. A sense of despondency which never truly dissipated after the limp tail end of last season.

At 16 years and 15 days, Hoare will take the youngest Town starter record from Abu Kanu, who was 16 years and 77 days old when he started for Town against Crystal Palace Under-21s in the EFL Trophy on August 30, 2022.

Swindon Town had initially hoped his absence would be brief, but further analysis of the problem has shown that the 34-year-old has bone bruising on the toe in question.

ANALYSIS: Go away from home, have one shot on target and win 1-0, and you’re considered obdurate and well-disciplined. Miss your chance and lose 1-0 and, well... we can see where the comments have gone instead.