He could probably do with a breather. I think he'd have sat out the Bradford game had Smith been eligible. It's not a reflection of Sam's performances. Both he and Hourihane are key players, and their absence will be felt I'm sure. However, it's an opportunity for others to stake a claim, and Smith and Crowley need to start proving their worth.
I think that fact that Marley Watkins seems undroppable, is a slight worry. Not saying he's not doing OK cos he is. But he does seem to miss more than he puts in..