Yannick Bolasie is yet to start a league match for Aston Villa since signing.
Bolasie was loaned to Villa from Everton, but he is still yet to feature from the off in the Championship.
The winger is yet to have the impact expected at Villa, with the wide man still searching for fitness.
But Smith feels that Bolasie is edging closer and closer to being able to start.
Smith said: “He’s getting closer. He needed the internal game on Tuesday. He’s come from Everton having had a long-term injury and he’s working his way back to fitness.
“I spoke to him after the Swansea game, after he played for 30 minutes, and he wasn’t at the level required.
“QPR, I thought he was there. He was back to what I remember of him and he put some great balls into the box.
“He’s certainly pushing to get into contention now.”
Bolasie has shown his value, on occasion, when coming off the bench for Villa – but he is still performing well below his capabilities.
The 29-year-old has now made eight appearances for Villa and scored twice.
Smith’s side have lost their last two matches in a row, which means that they are under pressure to impress against Bolton on Friday.
Villa have slipped down to 17th place in the Championship table, and another defeat would threaten to see frustrations rise further around Villa Park.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
