Smith targets Spurs clash
07 Sep 2006 - 12:42:59
Manchester United striker Alan Smith has told Sir Alex Ferguson he is ready to face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
The 25-year-old has not played a first team game since breaking his left leg and dislocating his ankle during an FA Cup defeat at Liverpool in February.
The England international eased back into action with three appearances for the reserves in recent weeks and is now hoping Ferguson will put him on the bench against Spurs.
Smith told the Manchester Evening News: "To come on as a sub would be no problem. But I think 90 minutes of Premiership football would be very difficult at the moment.
"If you are playing at Old Trafford, you get that adrenaline rush and that would see you through a sub appearance. But a full game is a different thing.
"There was no schedule put on the number of reserve matches I need before I am ready.
"I am fine as far as the injury is concerned. I still need more gym work, but I also need matches.
"But if the gaffer were to ask me if I would be ready for the bench against Spurs, I would say 'yes' without hesitation.
"If it is not this weekend then, over the next few weeks, I am hoping to get on the bench.
"We have the Champions League starting next week against Celtic, and with seven allowed on the bench, then there might be a chance."
