Smith Ready For United Return
(Goal.com) - Manchester United forward Alan Smith says he is ready to return to first team action, following the leg break and dislocated ankle suffered in February.
The former Leeds United player picked up the horrific injury in an FA Cup clash against Liverpool on February 18 this year, trying to block a free-kick from John Arne Riise.
He was operated upon, and was expected to be out of action for around nine months.
However, with just under seven months gone, he has already made a few appearances for the reserves, and is waiting to make Sir Alex Ferguson's bench.
"If the gaffer were to ask me if I'd be ready for the bench against Spurs, I'd say `yes' without hesitation," Smith told Manchester Evening News.
"Ninety minutes of Premiership football would be very difficult at the moment," he continued, "but to come on as a substitute would be no problem."
"If you are playing at Old Trafford, you get that adrenaline rush and that would see you through.
"If it is not this weekend then we have the Champions League starting next week against Celtic and, with seven allowed on the bench, then there might be a chance."
For more soccer news visit Goal.com
Comments
All I can say is WOW. I saw when he picked up the injury and it was nasty. I thought his days of top-caliber football were done. I've seen NFL players sustain similar injuries and it takes them almost a year to get back to top form. For Alan Smith to be back in 7 months only show the kind of heart & desire he has. Bravo Alan, Bravo.
Posted by: ForzaItalia | September 7, 2006 07:53 PM
I'll second that Forza. Horrific truly does describe the injury he sustained. I'm utterly amazed that he is fit so soon, when it could have been a career ending type of injury. I certainly hope he's not pushing it too hard and aggravates the injury again, but I wish Alan Smith all the luck in his speedy return.
Astonishing really.
Posted by: Heath Young | September 11, 2006 03:31 PM
I do hope he is not coming back too soon as it's not worth it.What happens & has been happening for years is these professional clubs & this is not only related to soccer have so much money invested in these players that the clubs have their own team of doctors that encourage these doctors to push these players & speed up the process to get them back in action & the end result is when the playing days are over for many of these players they have injuries that they carry through life. I saw this when I played in England where players that had no business being on the pitch were sent on why too soon & ended up not being able to play at all. As I mentioned most of these clubs have a lot of money & want their money's worth out of their players regardless of the personal cost inflicted on these players in the long run.
Posted by: Rasputin | September 11, 2006 03:46 PM
I wouldn't want smith to go on the field too early if he's not 90% fit. I love him and i would love to see him in the front again,but he could take september month off his mind for now and just keep practising.
Posted by: nadine | September 11, 2006 05:29 PM
That's really thinking out of the box. Taknhs!
Posted by: Rosa | June 21, 2011 07:44 AM