Toon Skipper Won't Take A Battering

Last updated : 13 June 2010 By Footy Mad - Editor

The Toon skipper wants an easy life as "defensive midfielder" ... the place where 'elephants go to die' ... where you don't need pace, vision or an IQ above 25.

Alan Smith: “I’ve got absolutely no interest in going back up front.

“Defensive midfielder is my position and I enjoy it, I really do.

"The season in the Championship has helped me a lot – I’ve developed new skills and I know a lot more about what is needed to play in that role in front of the back four.

“You need a lot of discipline as you can’t just go dashing off after the ball, or push forward in search of a goal. It takes some sacrifice and spending the whole season there in the Championship has really helped me learn it properly.

“It’s a difficult job, but it’s also a very satisfying one. You restrict yourself for the team, but when the team keeps a clean sheet it feels great. I thoroughly enjoy it, just as much as I did playing up front.

“We’ve got a lot of attacking players in midfield and I’m happy to let them do their stuff. I’ll just stick in front of the centre-backs and hopefully offer that extra protection for the defence.

“We’re going to need that more than ever back in the Premier League, so many sides try to pick you off on the counter attack.”