Smith aiming for Euro 2004

Alan Smith is hopeful “the best football of my life” will lead to Portugal this summer – with England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson dropping a broad hint the Leeds striker will be in his Euro 2004 squad.

Smith has been one of the few shining lights for Leeds in what has been a dismal season, with the club’s relegation to the Football League confirmed with Saturday’s 3-3 home draw against Charlton.

Smith’s enduring popularity with the supporters was underlined after the match as the 23-year-old was mobbed during a lap of honour which ultimately became a one-man show.

Fans accept Smith will leave during the close season, although his iconic status could be shattered if he chooses to join bitter rivals Manchester United.

But Smith has one remaining goal while he remains a Leeds player, and that is to be part of Eriksson’s plans for this summer’s European Championships.

The Swede announces a provisional 23-man squad on Monday, and although with just nine goals to his credit this season, Eriksson recognises Smith’s all-round game could be the key to his inclusion.

“He has a chance,” confirmed Eriksson. “He’s young and a very good player. It is good to have players like him and Jermain Defoe available for England.

“Alan can do a lot of different positions; as a lone striker, second striker or on the left or right and he is an extremely hard worker with a strong character.

“Sometimes it is too strong, but the thing about Alan is you know he will fight for you every minute, that is for sure.

“You need different types of strikers, just as you need different types of midfielders, so we will see.”

Despite Eriksson’s comment with regard to Smith’s “strong character,” the United star has not been booked since January 4, a run of 18 matches for club and country.

Smith feels he deserves the opportunity to travel to Portugal as he told TheFA.com: “I think I’ve a good chance and I’d love to be there.

“This season I’ve played the best football of my life, especially over the last few months. Hopefully it’s come in time to get chosen for the championship.”

Smith insists he has been unaffected by the trials and tribulations which have unfolded at Leeds this season, adding: “It’s not affected me at all, to be honest.

“To some extent, it’s helped me because I’ve had more responsibility and people look to me now in every game to be the best player.

“In a team that’s struggling, you obviously need to try to play well every single game and I think I’ve consistently been able to do that.”

One of the outstanding issues for Smith is where he will be playing his football next season, with director Peter Lorimer hoping the matter will be resolved before England kick off their Euro 2004 campaign against France on June 13.

“If he is selected, it would be very unfair if he hadn’t had his future sorted out and have a settled mind whilst those championships are going on,” said Lorimer. “Alan is our prized asset at this particular moment in time. He is the one that would get us the biggest fee.”