Smith Return? Don't Count On It

10 May 2011 23:27
Alan Smith has returned to full training ahead of schedule ... but would it be wise to throw him into first team action with the season at a close? Smith was joined by winger Kazenga Lualua in reserve- team training yesterday and reported no ill-effects from the ankle ligament injury suffered at the Stadium of Light in January. Smith has one year left on his deal but some reports suggest Alan Pardew could offload him in the summer ... if he can find a club willing to pay Smith's inflated wages. Assistant boss John Carver: “I was at the club yesterday because Alan and Kazenga made a little bit of a comeback in training. “Both of them joined in and Alan did everything asked of him, including playing in an 11 v 11 game. “Alan looks in absolutely fantastic condition but then that does not surprise me because he is such a good professional. “He has been out injured, but he has not let his fitness levels drop. “Alan is a good player but his general approach is just as impressive. He really looks after himself. “I have come across players before who, when they are out injured, it takes them longer than it should to come back because they don’t take care of themselves but that is not Alan. “He does not drink, which is a good start. “He is one of these lads who is determined to come back as soon as possible and because he is like that he will no doubt be thinking to himself he wants to play again this season.”  

Source: FOOTYMAD