However, Smith is now fully fit and raring to go, and the injury to in-form Luke Guttridge has opened up the oppotunity to the former Aston Villa trainee to shine in the first team once again. When quizzed on the matter by the clubs official site, Smith said: "My aim is to get a regular strating role - it has been frustrating sitting on the bench this season and hopefully this is the start of good things."
And Smith made it clear to all that he believes, despite all of the injury worries, that he can still hold down a regular starting place in the side: "I want to get in the team and stay in the side as I believe I am good enough to play for this club week in week out."
The 5ft 7ins tall midfielder began his renaisannce with the Shrimpers back in the 2002/03 season when he signed on a free transfer from Aston Villa following a highly successful loan period. Smith then became a regular feature in the starting eleven for the rest of that campaign, eventually playing 36 games in the league and cup - 34 of which he started - scoring five league goals.
Prior to the start of the 2003/04 season, big things were predicted for Smith and even more so when the hassling midfielder scored twice against Canvey Island in the F.A Cup 2nd round replay which was live on Sky Sports. However disaster struck. Warren Goodhind's ridiculous tackle on Smith during the home game with Cambridge in Janurary 2004 ended Smith's season - Cambridge defender Goodhind escaped with a caution. Despite the injury, he still made 23 appearances scoring four goals.
Despite a whole season out with injury, the legend that is Jay Smith is back and has currently made nine substitute appearances so far this season - more than any other Southend player so far- and following his goal in the 2-1 reversal at Port Vale, the big question is: Will Jay Smith start against Milton Keynes Dons? only time will tell, but if anyone deserves a chance Jay does.