Smith delighted to be back in the firing line

ALAN SMITH is back playing in the front line after a three-year absence and he could not feel more at home.

The £7million Manchester United recruit is determined to make the most of the move after leaving his hometown club Leeds. Smith made his debut on Sunday in the penalty shoot-out defeat by Bayern Munich at Soldier Field in the Champions World series.

Even though he missed a spot-kick, it was an otherwise impressive performance by the 23-year-old striker.

Smith said: “I definitely prefer playing up front. I haven’t played there much for two or three years now. When you are a kid at 18 and 19 learning to play new positions it does hinder you but I was quite willing to do that for Leeds.

“They were a club who needed different players in different situation and I was willing to do it. But the manager [Alex Ferguson] has said I am going to play up front.

“When you come to a club of this stature then they have enough midfield players to fill two teams so they won’t need a striker playing in midfield, out of position.”

Ferguson was pleased with Smith’s performance.

“Our expectations for him are high,” said the Old Trafford boss. “There are some players who have natural enthusiasm, which is never lost on you when you see that enthusiasm.

“He is self-motivated, which is great and has great determination. He knows where he is going in life and that pleases me.”

Next to Roy Keane, Smith was the most experienced player in the United side. He said: “The gaffer gave me a bit of responsibility because of playing the young lads. Once you step over the white line, it is like playing for anybody else.”

There were other positives for Ferguson, who fielded a side full of fringe players in the absence of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, Louis Saha, Paul Scholes, Mikael Silvestre and Diego Forlan.

They have all missed the tour as they are resting up.

Keane, playing as a sweeper, was the only one in the starting line-up, who had started more than 35 games for United.

Phil Bardsley, Bojan Djordic, Chris Eagles, Paul McShane, Jonathan Spector and Kieran Richardson were all included.

Keane said: “Only time will tell with these young lads. But if they are good enough at United they are given a chance. We have a lot of young players with a lot of talent. But it is not just about talent, it is about becoming good characters and being determined to do well. When you come back pre-season, it is always exciting. They should be loving every minute of it and I am sure they are.”

lNicky Butt will join Newcastle this week after Manchester United agreed to sell the England midfielder to the Tyneside club.

The two Premiership clubs have agreed a fee for the 29-year-old, who has left United’s tour of America. It leaves Butt free to finalise personal terms and complete a medical at St James’ Park.

United revealed:“Nicky Butt has left the Manchester United tour of America. Manchester United have agreed terms with Newcastle pending a medical and Nicky Butt’s personal terms.”

Butt was an unused substitute against Bayern.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have not given up hope of finally landing Ajax full-back Hatem Trabelsi after negotiations with Arsenal stalled, although they are also keeping an eye on Spurs’ Irish star Stephen Carr.