As the New England Revolution march on to Major League Soccer glory, Khano Smith may find himself increasingly marginalised.

Smith, who has started seven of his 17 appearances for the Revs, was originally expected to play as a back up to first choice starters Taylor Twellman and Pat Noonan in his rookie season.

With the US national side undertaking a hectic qualifying schedule throughout the domestic season, Smith found himself leading the line during their prolonged absences but as the business end of the season approaches, those opportunities are gone.

Smith is not the only one to suffer now the first-choice players are back and coach Steve Nicol admitted he did feel sympathy for them.

?I told the team that there are three or four individuals who between now and the end of the season might not get on the field,? said the admirably honest coach and former Liverpool legend.

?But by what they have done they deserve to be playing. It is going to be a test for some guys but I am pretty sure they are going to be behind the team.?

And Smith?s chances of featuring in the post-season showdowns have not been helped by the signing of Panamanian international midfielder/attacker Ricardo Phillips, who came off the bench during last weekend?s victory at the Columbus Crew while the former Dandy Town striker was left as an unused sub.

The previous week, Smith had scored the winner in the 1-0 victory over Real Salt Lake, came off the bench in the 71st minute and bagging his third goal of the season and his second nomination for goal of the week.