Crawley have pulled off a masterstroke with injured Jimmy Smith.

That is the verdict of Filipe Morais as Reds get to grips with a new managerial structure.

Morais and Smith were joint caretaker managers after the recent departure of Harry Kewell to Notts County.

They masterminded a 1-0 win at leaders Lincoln before handing over the reins to new boss Gabriele Cioffi.

Smith is out for several months having undergone a knee operation.

But Reds, who host Yeovil today (3pm), have kept him involved in a coaching role.

Morais reckons that can held add community for Cioffi and his new assistant Nathan Rooney, who the Italian brought in from Fleetwood.

He said: “I think it’s a really clever move by the club.

“Jimmy has been at the club a long time, he loves the club and he knows all the players very well.

“He knows what they’re good at and what they’re not so good at. I think the manager can use his experience and lean on him for certain things.

“Different things like players personalities and backgrounds.

“I think he’s going to be pivotal for us moving forward.”

Morais is enjoying life as a player without managerial responsibilities.

He added: “It has been good to focus on just playing at times - and a lot less hours!

"Not going home and planning as much and worrying about everyone else all the time.

“As a player you should be looking at the opposition anyway and seeing where you can hurt them.

“I enjoyed it at the time. We did our best to help the club.”