Phil Smith signed from non-league Crawley in 2006

Swindon manager Danny Wilson says goalkeeper Phil Smith is closing the gap on first-choice David Lucas.

Smith, 30, deputised in Saturday's 1-0 home victory over Southampton as Lucas was sidelined with injury.

Wilson told BBC Wiltshire: "There was a big gap between David and Phil when David arrived.

"He (Smith) was by far second choice, he had a lot to learn. He's come on leaps and bounds. The gap is quiet small now."

Smith has found his first-team chances slim since Lucas was signed in summer 2009.

But Wilson says his improved performances are partly down to learning from Lucas.

"I applaud David in that respect because the standards he's set the goalkeepers in this football club has been very high," he said.

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