RICHIE Smallwood has shown his City team-mates how to deal with criticism.

The club captain has divided opinion among the fan base during his time at Valley Parade.

But Graham Alexander, who described Smallwood as the “unsung hero” of his side’s current run of form, believes he sets the perfect example in the dressing room.

“Any player is going to come in for spells of criticism,” said the City boss. “It’s what we’re trying to educate with our younger players that these things will happen.

“Accept it’s going to come but how are you going to deal with it? I think Richie is the epitome of doing that in the right way.

“I know there has been criticism of set-pieces and stuff like that but I’ve never seen him shirk the next one.

“It’s me that chooses him to take them. He’s not just taking charge, it’s my decision because I know he has got a good delivery.

“He’s not always perfect. But I was a set-piece taker and mine weren’t perfect but I still put myself on that spot and took responsibility.

“That’s what I’ve seen from Richie.”

Smallwood has delivered successive man-of-the-match displays in City’s wins at Walsall and Barrow that have taken their play-off tilt to the final day of the season.

He also scored the stoppage-time equaliser against Grimsby on Easter Monday early in the six-match unbeaten run.

Alexander added: “Nothing epitomised how he is more than that penalty at Grimsby.

“There was no doubt about who was taking it or what he was going to do with it. That’s what he is.

“He never shirks the challenge and that’s what our team needs to become.

“That’s why he has played hundreds of games and won numerous promotions.

“There are players that get their headlines through their outstanding moments in games and there are lads who fill in the gaps in between. I think that’s what Richie is for our team.

“He’s not perfect, none of us are, but if we want our team to be consistent in our approach to games and have a winning mentality, I think Richie represents the best of them.”