Smith Ready for Midfield Run

By David Hobbs
September 19 2005

Alan Smith is ready to fill Manchester United's midfield void in the absence of skipper Roy Keane, who has suffered a broken foot bone, for the next 2 months.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has reiterated his intentions to stay at Old Trafford despite tempting links to La Liga giants Barcelona and Real

The converted striker, now deployed in midfield, has been tipped to replace Roy Keane when the Irishman retires and Smith knows he has a massive gap to plug.

"Losing Roy is a massive blow, everyone knows what a big influence he is," said Smith. "But we have just got to get on with it. I will have to step up and try to take over that mantle now.

He continued: "It means a bit more responsibility but it is a challenge that I am looking forward to.

"There is going to be a lot asked of me over the next few weeks but I am getting more experience now and learning all the time."

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]