Smith urges teammates on as Leeds face acid test

LEEDS striker Alan Smith has urged his team-mates not to let their standards drop, ahead of a four-game acid test for the troubled Elland Road club.

A bitter Roses battle against Manchester United beckons this Saturday, followed by further Premiership matches at Liverpool, and at home to Arsenal, with the latter two fixtures sandwiching a Carling Cup clash with Alex Ferguson’s side.

At least Leeds head into such a daunting schedule in buoyant mood, following their last result before the international break, a 2-1 home win over Blackburn, which took the heat off under-fire boss Peter Reid.