Smertin set for Russian deal

CHARLTON boss Alan Curbishley has revealed he left Russian midfielder Alexei Smertin out of his side’s draw at Liverpool because of speculation over his future.

Smertin, on loan from Chelsea, was available after a knee injury but Curbishley decided not to use him because of a potential transfer back to Russia. Curbishley said: “If he leaves us I will be disappointed because it is something I did not expect. If he stays I will be delighted, but he is a Chelsea player.”