Has That Injury At Anfield Taken Away Smith's 'Edge'?

Last updated : 12 November 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

The ex-Leeds United player seems to fit in wherever there's hole, and we have not seen the best of him because of it.

He has put pressure on the manager by insisting he joined Newcastle for first team football, and he expects to get it.

And because of that, Big Sam seems to accomodate him simply for the sake of keeping him happy.

He is a tough cookie, and that was why Sir Alex Ferguson tried him as holding player, and at one time he was even viewed as a potential successor to Roy Keane.

But a broken leg at Anfield halted his progression, so much so he couldn't find a place at Old Trafford and Ferguson felt we had seen the best of him and shipped him to TYneside.

Seven years after being tipped as a top England centre-forward ready to fill Alan Shearer's boots, and he has the chance to do it at St James' Park. But you get that feeling it isn't going to happen.

Sam Allardyce: "I see him as a utility player.

"It's all about commitment, passion and energy with Smudger. He's not bothered where he plays as long as he plays."

And that is not the fault of the player, because I'm sure every player wants a piece of the action so long as they are on the pitch.

But it is up to Big Sam to get the best out of him.

And, as with so many good players (Steven Taylor, Charles N'Zogbia, Oba Martins, Emre, Geremi) Allardyce simply doesn't know how to accomodate them to build a steady system that works.

It is early days for the manager, but we have not played the Top Four yet, and that is going to be his major test.