Smith was right to speak out, says Matteo

DOMINIC MATTEO believes Alan Smith was right to criticise his team-mates as Leeds finally proved they have the stomach for a relegation scrap.

Passionate Leeds striker Smith last week stoked the fires within the Elland Road camp by claiming the players had lacked fight this season, while he also insisted he would leave in the summer if the club are relegated.

After his man-of-the-match performance in Monday night's crucial 3-2 home victory over relegation rivals Leicester, Smith who scored an 86th-minute winner felt his words of condemnation "needed to be said" and had produced the desired effect.