Striker Harry Smith could be the man to solve Sittingbourne’s defensive poser.

Smith scored four times in a 7-2 friendly win against Erith Town on Saturday but played a part of the match at centre-half as Brickies work out who will cover for absent pair George Crimmen and Jono Richardson in the early weeks of the season.

Bourne open their Ryman League, Division 1 South campaign with a Kent derby at Herne Bay on August 8, followed by home games against Hastings (August 11) and South Park (August 15).

And while Brickies see Smith as a striker, don’t be surprised to see the 6ft 5in youngster lining up in the back four.

Assistant boss Tony Cornwell said: “We’d like Harry up front but we have a couple of players missing for the first two or three games and Harry can do a job at centre-half.

“He’s stronger as an attacker where he’s played most of his football up front and does enjoy scoring goals.

“He needs to learn the positional side of the game at centre-half but he quite likes playing there. We’ve played him at the back in a couple of friendlies now.”

Sittingbourne go to Tunbridge Wells on Saturday (3pm) and travel to Erith & Belvedere on Tuesday (7.45pm).