Bassett: Smith's shark enough for me

Alan Smith received the news that his World Cup hopes had been hit just before kick-off. The pitch-side media, Leicester team and stewards in the tunnel were left in little doubt as to the source of anger that emanated from the visitors' dressing room.

A place in the England Under 21 side is not to be scoffed at, but the source of frustration at not being involved in a friendly on your home pitch had clearly rankled. There are World Cup places at stake here, after all. Fast forward two hours and the returning Smith proved a point in helping Leeds to three.

It was not his best display - he was playing right midfield - but he smothered his emotions sufficiently to do a professional job for manager David O'Leary. 'I don't want Alan to lose his edge,' said O'Leary.'

We have missed him too much through self-inflicted stupid things and the more we can have him on the pitch, the better we will be.'

Leicester boss Dave Bassett is also a fan. He said: 'I like Alan Smith. He's got a competitive edge and, as a manager, you can build the future around him. This World Cup might be too early. When you've got Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler and all the rest in front of you, even he might be thinking that.

'But if there were sharks in the penalty area, you can imagine Smith diving in to have a scrap if it meant his side winning or scoring a goal. Those are the kind of players I like.'

Despite Smith's display, he will have to improve if he is to dislodge Fowler at club or international level.