BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith was forced to press several youngsters into action for their high-profile pre season friendly with Conference club Leamington this week.

Smith was missing nine squad members for the occasion and had to name himself on the subs bench just to make up the numbers.

Despite the 4-0 loss, Smith was full of praise for his players and admitted: "We were really up against it because we were missing so many regulars - but I thought we were the better side for the first 25 minutes.

"It was a great experience for the youngsters, getting involved with the first team Smith was compelled to plasy summer signing Max Loveridge for the entire 90 minutes while youngsters Max Tranter, Matthew Savage and Joe Hingley all had a taste of first team action.

Even Smith's assistant Brendan Kelly got in on the act.

Now all eyes turn towards Saturday's FA Cup clash at home to Rocester with Sporting desperate to hit the ground running.

Smith said: "We've worked really hard during pre-season and fitness-wise, we're in the best position that we could be. I believe we're a better side than the one which finished last season unbeaten."

Smith believes Max Loveridge will prove a big player for Sporting this season following his three year spell at Redditch United.

Having suffered a hamstring injury early into pre-season, Loveridge is now champing at the bit to play.

Smith revealed: "I didn't really want to play him against Leamington but Max wanted to start.

"Ideally I should have taken him off after 70 minutes, but such was our situation, that I kept him on.

"He's very combatative in midfield and could prove a big player for us this season and I'm very excited about the prospect."

Smith may have to rule out recent capture Joe Ward and midfield player Ahmed Ali for the Rocester game.

Ward has been suffering with a back problem and is awaiting the results of a scan while Ahmed Ali has been forced to return to Somalia for family reasons.

With Duane Courtney and Jordan Jones both absent, Smith must rotate his squad but insists he has enough players to cover.