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.

But given how inconsistent Leeds have been this season, it remains to be seen just which side of their nature will turn up against Manchester United.

Leeds rose to the challenge against Blackburn, just when it was needed most, in light of the pressure on Reid, and now they must do so again as ‘the big three’ loom.

“We showed (against Blackburn) what good character and good team spirit we have,” said Smith.

“It showed with the way we played, we all wanted to get a victory and we got it, and now we need to build on good performances like that and not let our standards drop.