MATTHEW Barnes-Homer has what it takes to make the jump into League Two football, according to his self-styled 'partner in crime' Brian Smikle.

Cheltenham Town's super-sub Smikle and trialist striker Barnes-Homer have a lasting friendship from their days in the youth football scene in the Black Country.

The pair linked up again under current Robins boss Mark Yates at Kidderminster Harriers, where Barnes-Homer formed a reputation as one of non-League football's hottest strike prospects.

And Smikle has backed his friend, who scored twice in an in-house friendly on Tuesday, to make a massive impact if his current trial spell leads to a permanent Robins contract.

"Matthew's like my partner in crime, he's a really good player and he's someone I've known from a really young age," Smikle said.

"He could step up to the League without a doubt. He's a massive threat in the channels with his pace and power but he's also got the ability to do the other side of the game as well.

"He can cause defenders all sorts of problems with his ability, but it's the gaffer's decision as to whether he signs or not, we'll see."

Smikle's role this season has been limited to that of impact substitute, a role which he has filled in all but one of the Robins' League Two games so far this term.

His versatility and energy make the man known to all around as Junior the obvious choice when looking to change a game, or more often than not hold on to a lead.

The 26-year-old had a significant impact in Cheltenham's 2-1 win at Port Vale earlier in the month, while he also enjoyed a lively cameo in the FA Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

With Russ Penn and Luke Summerfield both reporting fit for duty for tomorrow's trip to Macclesfield, one route back into the starting line-up has been closed.

But Smikle knows that if he keeps producing the goods in his substitute appearances, he can force his way back into boss Mark Yates' first team, especially if he comes up with a repeat of his showing at Macclesfield last season.

On a freezing cold November night, Smikle played a starring role, scoring one and making one as the Robins eased to a comfortable 2-0 victory.

"I want to push for a place in the starting line-up and influence every game when I come off the bench and if I can affect games and make and score goals then great," he said.

"It's the manager's decision as to whether I get back in to that line-up, all I can do is keep working hard in training and games and try and get noticed.

"I have very good memories of Macclesfield from last year. It was a freezing night and the game could have been called off at half-time as the pitch was like concrete.

"But we went there and played really well and I scored a nice goal too, it was a really good win against a good side.

"They're a big physical side who are always a threat, especially from set-pieces where they are a massive threat and we know we'll have to play well to get any kind of result."