Smith is proving credentials - Hughton

Newcastle are finally reaping the rewards of a fit Alan Smith, according to Chris HughtonThe 28-year-old striker-turned-midfielder has endured dreadful luck with injuries for much of the time since his £6million switch from Manchester United during the summer of 2007, and has rarely been able to show anything like the ability which then manager Sam Allardyce invested in so heavily.However, he has been a cornerstone of caretaker boss Hughton's side so far this season, and turned in a captain's display in the absence of the injured Nicky Butt in Monday night's 1-0 victory over Leicester which took the Magpies to the top of the Championship table.Hughton said: "He is now going through a sustained period of being fit, and that is certainly showing in his performances."

Source: Eurosport