Time running out for Smith to stake claim

Alan Smith has just 45 minutes to prove he is worth a place in Sven-Goran Eriksson's European Championship squad.

A combination of frustrating circumstances has ensured that Smith has so far failed to prove he deserves to play alongside Michael Owen in Portugal.

Sent off in the dying seconds against Macedonia, Smith was then selected and dumped by the FA following the ' bottlethrowing' incident during a Premiership game at Elland Road.

In a disastrous season for Leeds, the striker has battled defiantly to save the club from relegation and he looks like being rewarded tonight, even though he probably won't start.

Smith said: "It is difficult because nobody is going to get a full 90 minutes and it is difficult to stake your claim in 45 minutes.

"The remaining league games will have a massive effect on who goes to the Championships.

"It is hard when you are in a team that's struggling, but I believe in my own ability. Since Eddie Gray has been back in charge, he's put me and Mark Viduka back up front and I've really enjoyed it.

"It has given me a new lease of life. I would probably have been in a few more squads if it hadn't been for the sending off against Macedonia and the other stuff at club level.

"Michael Owen is probably guaranteed to go but if I can keep Leeds up, there is a good chance I will get in the squad."