Smith Keane to fill boots

Alan Smith has reiterated his desire to be given a run in Manchester United's midfield.

Alan Smith has again reiterated his desire to be given an extended run in Manchester United's midfield.

Injury to Roy Keane has allowed Smith to stake a claim for a regular berth in what is an unfamiliar midfield holding role.

United chief Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that he is confident that Smith can make a successful conversion from striker to midfield, with the player echoing the thoughts of his manager.

Keane is set to be sidelined until mid-November, leaving Smith an ideal opportunity to demonstrate there is no reason for United to open their purse strings, in finding an eventual successor to the Irishman.

"Losing Roy is a massive blow, everyone knows what a big influence he is on the team and how well he marshalls the troops," said Smith. "But we have just got to get on with it.

"I will have to step up and try to take over that mantle now. It means a bit more responsibility for me but it is a challenge I am looking forward to.

"I loved it yesterday. You want to test yourself against the best and they don't come much better than Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso.

"There is going to be a lot asked of me over the next few weeks but I am getting more experience now and learning all the time.

"We have got to move on now. We have more big games coming up and we are looking to win them.''