MX23RW : Thursday, March 13 15:13:19| >> :60:1333:1333:

Brian McDermott plays down long ball claim

McDermott plays down long ball claim
© PA Photos
Leeds United boss Brian McDermott insists that Matt Smith is more than just a physical presence.

Leeds United boss Brian McDermott has insisted that the team will not be "smashing long balls" into new signing Matt Smith next season.

The 24-year-old agreed to join the Championship outfit from Oldham Athletic on Monday, but McDermott has insisted that the powerful forward is more than just a physical presence.

McDermott told the club's official website: "It is a major asset. But it doesn't mean to say we'll be smashing long balls in. He can take it in, hold it up, you saw his goal against Everton from a set-play.

"His movement is good. He's a work in progress, but he's not an 18-year-old work in progress. He's done well in games and we feel he is a good asset."

Smith, who is 6ft 6in tall, scored against Liverpool and Everton in the FA Cup last season.

ID:88410: cacheID:88410:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1427:
Written by
Matt Law
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Oldham's Matt Smith celebrates after scoring in the FA Cup 5th round replay against Everton on February 26, 2013
Read Next:
Leeds sign Smith
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leeds UnitedLeeds372310474235179
2Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd37247652282477
3Burnley372015250113975
4Sunderland371912655342169
5West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom371317747331456
6Coventry CityCoventry37168135248456
7Bristol City37131594740754
8Middlesbrough37158145748953
9Blackburn RoversBlackburn37157154138352
10Watford37157154750-352
11Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds37149145358-551
12Norwich CityNorwich371213125952749
13Millwall371212133639-348
14Queens Park RangersQPR371111154248-644
15Preston North EndPreston37917113743-644
16Swansea CitySwansea37128173847-944
17Portsmouth37119174559-1442
18Hull City371010173846-840
19Stoke CityStoke37912163750-1339
20Oxford UnitedOxford Utd37912163855-1739
21Cardiff CityCardiff37812174061-2136
22Derby CountyDerby3798203749-1235
23Luton TownLuton3797213460-2634
24Plymouth ArgylePlymouth37712183874-3633


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!