Smith happy in midfield

Alan Smith admits he is being groomed for a career as a holding midfield player.

The Manchester United man has been converted from a striker into a midfielder this season by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Smith has been marked out as the long-term successor to Roy Keane and is currently filling the Irishman's boots, while the United captain is out with a hamstring injury.

England international Smith insists it is not a temporary measure and that Ferguson has told him he will be staying in midfield.

"I think I'm doing okay in the middle," said Smith. "I'm learning, that is the main thing.

"I have to realise I am now playing a holding position and not venture too far forward.

"It's just a question of being more sensible. I've got to learn that my role is protecting our back four and try to keep the play flowing.

"I don't mind not going up scoring. I just want to play every week, go unnoticed and do a good job for the team.

"The gaffer has said he's no longer experimenting with me in that position. That's where he wants me to play.

"I'm happy with that and as the season develops I will get better."

The former Leeds United forward also reiterated his support for under-fire team-mate Wayne Rooney, following the teenager's sending off against Villarreal.

Smith has been no stranger to losing his temper on the pitch in the past and he feels he is ideally positioned to help out Rooney.

He added: "Now we've got to help Wayne as much as we can.

"Responsibility helped me a lot. Now I'm playing in a midfield position at Manchester United I realise I have even more responsibility.

"It's not a question of counting to 10 but knowing that if I'd been sent off against Villarreal as well, I would have been no good to the team.

"We'll all try to help Wayne because we need him playing.

"But it doesn't matter what people say to you about controlling your temperament. That advice only works when you realise you are in the wrong.

"Wayne now knows that himself and he is so disappointed."