Billy Smith may leave highly-rated striker Robbie Collins out of the side to face Merthyr Tydfil at Broadfield Stadium tomorrow.

The Crawley boss is concerned that the recent publicity surrounding the 21-year-old is starting to affect Collins' performances.

A host of league clubs have been tracking the former Three Bridges and Redhill forward in recent weeks.

Collins was replaced by Steve Restarick in the second half on Boxing Day when Reds came from behind to win 3-2 at Welling even though they played the second half with ten men after Lee Doherty was sent off.

Smith said: "Robbie has gone off the boil a bit in the last couple of weeks, I think all the interest that has been shown is starting to affect him.

"It's understandable really. When you know people are watching you try too hard because you want to be involved all the time instead of doing the simple things.

"It could also give me an opportunity to rest him. We've had a lot of games recently with a lot more to come."

Restarick's impressive second half display on Boxing Day is expected to earn him a starting role against Merthyr. Ben Abbey is likely to be his partner especially as Warren Bagnall is suffering from a recurrence of his thigh strain.

Reds restored their four-point lead on Wednesday after two of their title rivals, Kettering and Tamworth, both lost.

Jimmy Dack, Warren Waugh and Ian Payne are also likely to be involved as Smith rotates his squad during their busiest time of the season.

Stewart Holmes (twisted ankle) is doubtful while Marc Pullan, who has missed the last four games with knee ligament trouble, needs a scan and faces a lengthy lay-off.

Smith was delighted with his side's comeback at Welling when two goals from Danny Caroll helped restore confidence following last Saturday's home defeat by Kettering.

"We didn't deserve to be losing at half-time, even with ten men. I gambled in the second half by playing two up front and we played some nice stuff, Danny took his goals really well."

The only disappointment for Smith was the dismissal of Doherty for two bookable offences.

"I thought Lee was very unfortunate," added Smith. "The first booking was for handball, but he was only standing a yard from the fellow.

"When he got booked again Lee was already starting to walk off but the referee showed him yellow. I don't think the referee realised he'd already booked him because if he had I think Lee would have stayed on."

Doherty will be banned for one match.