Fergie hints at Smith start
27 Feb 2007 - 08:53:48
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that several fringe first-team players including Alan Smith could play in the FA Cup fifth round replay at Reading.
The 26-year-old former Leeds United striker has not started a game for almost four months and has struggled to regain full fitness since suffering a broken leg just over one year ago in last term's FA Cup exit at Liverpool.
Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Henrik Larsson are all expected to be rested for the Madejski Stadium clash as Ferguson plans for the vital Premiership encounter at Liverpool.
"Some of the older players will be rested," the veteran manager told United's official website.
"It's important I use the squad in terms of getting minutes in the FA Cup for a lot of the players. But most importantly, we want to put out a team that can win.
"Last month I thought Alan Smith going away on loan would be a good thing for him.
"But he had the ambition and drive within to say, 'I want to get back in the team'.
"That showed great faith in himself. Alan has great courage and enthusiasm to play football, which always gives him a chance."