The prospect of facing Bolton’s new big name signing Eidur Gudjohnsen does not scare Ipswich Town defender Tommy Smith.

Former Chelsea and Barcelona striker Gudjohnsen – now aged 36 – signed for the Trotters last week, the Icelander’s international clearance only just coming through ahead of tomorrow’s Championship match at The Macron Stadium.

Initially described by boss Neil Lennon as a player capable of ‘30 minute cameos’, he could now be thrown straight into the starting XI due to top-scorer Craig Davies suffering a hamstring injury.

“I’ve played against some top players already in my career; the Italians at the World Cup and Neymar for Brazil,” said New Zealand international Smith.

“It will be a great experience playing against Gudjohnsen because he’s obviously had a fantastic career, although he’s coming towards the end of it now. He’ll still have a lot of quality on the ball, though maybe not the pace he once had.

“There’s no two ways about it, he’s been a top player, but we’ve got a couple of top strikers ourselves (Daryl Murphy and David McGoldrick) and I’m sure they will be worried about what we have.”

Murphy is the division’s top-scorer at present, his two goals against Leeds last weekend taking his tally to 13, while McGoldrick – on six goals – is increasingly looking back to his best following a long-term knee injury.

“I don’t think there is a strike partnership who can say they are better at the moment,” enthused Smith. “Based on form and goals I would say they are up there with any partnership in the country at the moment.”

Town are second in the table, having lost just one game in 16, while Bolton have been rejuvenated under Lennon’s management – going from 23rd to 17th in the table with a return of 17 points from a possible 27.

“Every away game is tough in this league and Saturday will be no different,” said Smith. “But we’re on a great run of form at the moment and we’re not scared of anyone.”