Smith was left out of the squad for this summer's England internationals, the two friendlies against Serbia & Montenegro and Slovakia and South Africa and the Euro 2004 Qualifier against Slovakia. He had also been left out of the qualifier against Turkey in April.
It would appear that his sending off against Macedonia at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium is one major factor behind his omission. The United striker subsequently found himself out of the next squad for the friendly against Australia before he served his suspension in the game against Liechtenstein.
Smith's disciplinary record was the worst in the Premiership last season, collecting two red cards and ten yellow cards, plus another two yellow cards in Europe, but the United backroom staff have worked hard with him over the summer to try and make sure it improves this coming season.
In his absence, players like Villa's Darius Vassell and Wayne Rooney have come into the frame for Eriksson.
Smudger has undoubted ability and his passion for the game makes him the player he is. He must however learn to control his temperament if he is to fulfil his potential and with the likes of Owen and Rooney ahead of him in the England set up the youngster is fully aware he still has a long way to go if he is to become one of England's finest.
Hopefully playing in his proper position he will achieve that with United this season.
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