Tom Smith is set to keep his place in the Welling United starting lineup this weekend after their emergency loan replacement returned to QPR.

Tom Smith with Welling United (Photo via WellingUnited.com)
Tom Smith with Welling United (Photo via WellingUnited.com)

Arsenal loanee Tom Smith returned from injury last weekend to make two penalty saves for Welling United in a London Senior Cup match against Hanwell Town, and he’s set to keep his place for an FA Cup qualifier on Saturday.

When Smith initially picked up his injury, Welling covered for his absence with the emergency loan signing of 19-year-old Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Murphy Mahoney.

Mahoney covered the first five games of the National League South season.

But with Smith back fit, Mahoney has returned to QPR, meaning Smith can return to his position as the non-league side’s first-choice goalkeeper for the season.

After featuring solely in friendlies and cup matches so far, Smith is still waiting on his league debut with his loan club.

After Saturday’s FA Cup match, Welling will face Dartford next weekend to finally give him that opportunity.

It would be a big positive if the Arsenal 19-year-old could get a run of games going, after the disruptions to his last two loan spells.

For now, anyone local can watch Smith in action at 3pm on Saturday, with ticket details here.

Thanks again to Welling United fan and non-league reporter Mark Doig for his help with this report.