Smudge on his best yet

Having been under fire from a section of Newcastle fans recently for tucking in too much in midfield Alan Smith bounced back with a decent display against the Irons at the weekend. Speaking to the press however he was quick to explain his frustrations:

'People know what they get with me. (Right midfield) isn't my preferred position, but if I'm out there people will know what they'll get - 100 per cent. Everyone knows central midfield or up front are my preferred positions, and I've been playing wide right. You're giving something totally different to the team playing out wide.

It's difficult at times because people expect wingers to provide, and that's not my best asset. But I can do a job for the team working as hard as possible, and you won't get any complaints from me. I came to Newcastle and I'm a player who has played in every position throughout my career.'

That was my best performance for Newcastle. I've been frustrated with myself over the few weeks I've been here, because I demand so much from myself. I'm my biggest critic at times, and I get frustrated with myself, which people see. I just want to improve and help Newcastle to do as well as possible. It was nice to get a win after the Derby performance. I know we can all improve as a team, but we're going in the right direction ,and I think we saw commitment, passion and some good football (against West Ham), which is what everyone wants to see.'

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