Tannadice boss backs striker's Scotland claim

By Sean Saranczuk
September 12 2002

Alex Smith was delighted with his Dundee United side's 2-1 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie - their first of the season.

Alex Smith was delighted with his Dundee United side's 2-1 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie - their first of the season.

Man-of-the-match Steven Thompson grabbed a double in the first half to overturn Darren Mackie's third-minute opener and extend the pressure on Dons chief Ebbe Skovdahl.

And Smith was quick to back up the message Thompson's goals delivered to Scotland manager Bertie Vogts.

He said: "He scored two excellent goals and could have scored three. I'm delighted for him, especially after the criticism he received at the weekend for Scotland when he was only on for a short spell.

"He was tireless tonight with Derek Lilley and he showed the form he had when I was manager of the Scotland Under-21 team.

"Thompson is a very strong and effective player, quick and brave - there is no other player like him in the country.

"However, I'm delighted for the club and the fans tonight overall."

Aberdeen have now lost four in succession and they were always second best.

Smith said: "It's always hard to get a result at Aberdeen, so it's finally great to get off with a win this season.

"I thought we played very well in the first half and responded well after their early goal. We persisted well and knocked the ball around excellently with one or two outstanding performances."