Fit again Smith is ready for frontline

SEVEN months ago he broke his leg in one of the most horrific sporting accidents in recent years, but Alan Smith is finally on the verge of returning to first-team action with Manchester United.

There were 89 minutes played in United’s FA Cup tie against Liverpool at Anfield last February when the former Leeds United favourite attempted to block a John Arne Riise free kick with horrendous consequences.

A miserable day was made all the worse when the ambulance carrying him away from the ground was set upon by some locals purporting to be fans but Smith is now ready to leave all those memories firmly in the past.