Smith silences critics with four-goal haul

Hapoel Tel Aviv 1

Smith had been concerned by the damaging comments of Hapoel Tel-Aviv captain Shimon Gershon and team-mate Josef Abukasis in the build-up to last night's return leg of Leeds's UEFA Cup second-round clash.

The 22-year-old, in the wake of United's 1-0 first-leg victory at Elland Road a fortnight ago, was described as one of the dirtiest players in Europe, much to Smith's frustration.

England striker Smith, who has been sent off eight times in his career including twice this season for club and country was concerned the criticism by the Hapoel players would lead to friction on the pitch.

Smith sought out Ridsdale, and after receiving the full support of his chairman, turned in a four-star show as Leeds destroyed Hapoel in Florence.

Smith scored all four of United's goals in a 4-1 victory and 5-1 on aggregate to guarantee his side's place in tomorrow's third-round draw.

Whilst Smith's temperament has often preceded him, his undoubted talent has led to career highlights, including scoring on debut in front of The Kop in a 3-1 win at Anfield, and scoring the only goal in a momentous Champions League triumph against Lazio in Rome two years ago.

"This is up there with some great memories for me," Smith said last night.

''It's the first senior hat-trick of my career and it's something I will always remember. It's a good night to get it, but the main thing is we've got a victory and we are in the next round," he said.

"Since the gaffer has come in, he has told me to go out and enjoy my football, and tonight I did that.

''Coming into tonight, I knew their players had been having a go at me, I went and saw the chairman because if something did happen, then I wanted to know I would have their full backing.

''Everybody came out of it pleased. It put my mind at ease. I knew I had to keep a cool head and I did that I responded in the right way.''

After Abukasis had wiped out Leeds's slender first-leg advantage by scoring with a superb 22-yard free kick after just 70 seconds, Smith stole the show with goals in the 30th, 54th, 62nd and 83rd minutes.

His performance was to the delight of the 1,200 Leeds fans in the Stadio Artemio Franchi, with the game at this neutral Italian venue due to safety and security concerns in Israel.

The victory, after Leeds's 4-3 Barclaycard Premiership success at West Ham on Sunday, has eased pressure on Venables whose side had won just one of nine matches prior to their trip to Upton Park.

Venables rightly lauded hero Smith, who claimed the match ball for his goal-scoring feat.

''It was a terrific performance," Venables said.

''To see Alan score four goals is a big thrill for me, as I am sure it is for the rest of the players and supporters," he said.

''We know Alan is a very good player. I believe he sees things in the right way, but he has to continue to deliver.''

The former England manager added: ''After going behind so early, we could have dropped our heads, but what I liked about this team is the way they reacted and went at the opposition determined to score."

HAPOEL TEL-AVIV: Elimelech, Halis, Gershon, Domb, Hillel, Abuksis, Halmai, Toema, Afek, Knafo, Clescenko.

LEEDS: Robinson, Kelly, Radebe, Duberry, Harte, Barmby, Bakke, Bowyer, Wilcox, Kewell, Smith.