Gavmundo
04-20-2007, 11:46 AM
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is backing Alan Smith to win an England recall.
The former Leeds United striker is back to his best for The Red Devils after taking longer than expected to find his form and fitness following a leg break last season.
Smith, who has 16 caps to his name, has not played for his country since October 2005 after appearing as a substitute in England's World Cup qualifying win over Poland.
The 26-year-old netted in United's recent 7-1 demolition of Roma and Ferguson believes his enthusiasm for the game would benefit Steve McClaren's England squad.
"It is obviously Steve McClaren's decision, but I would endorse it without question," Ferguson said in the Sun, on recalling Smith.
"He stuck at it and he enjoyed a cracking game against Roma. He deserves his rewards.
"His enthusiasm for the game is infectious. You can see it on the training ground as well as the pitch."
Well he's not proved himself as a prolific goal scorer since moving to Utd but he has been injured for a long time and has also had a season in midfield. He does add a different dimension to attack though. He's very strong, able to hold up the ball and has vision. With Smith and Rooney though are you going to get enough goals? I say he's a good addition to the England squad but we are still missing that prolific scorer. Owen is on his way back but he hasn't looked great in front of goal since leaving Liverpool.
The former Leeds United striker is back to his best for The Red Devils after taking longer than expected to find his form and fitness following a leg break last season.
Smith, who has 16 caps to his name, has not played for his country since October 2005 after appearing as a substitute in England's World Cup qualifying win over Poland.
The 26-year-old netted in United's recent 7-1 demolition of Roma and Ferguson believes his enthusiasm for the game would benefit Steve McClaren's England squad.
"It is obviously Steve McClaren's decision, but I would endorse it without question," Ferguson said in the Sun, on recalling Smith.
"He stuck at it and he enjoyed a cracking game against Roma. He deserves his rewards.
"His enthusiasm for the game is infectious. You can see it on the training ground as well as the pitch."
Well he's not proved himself as a prolific goal scorer since moving to Utd but he has been injured for a long time and has also had a season in midfield. He does add a different dimension to attack though. He's very strong, able to hold up the ball and has vision. With Smith and Rooney though are you going to get enough goals? I say he's a good addition to the England squad but we are still missing that prolific scorer. Owen is on his way back but he hasn't looked great in front of goal since leaving Liverpool.