Carrick Backs Smith at Toon

Michael Carrick is convinced former Manchester United teammate Alan Smith will prove his worth at Newcastle.

Geordie midfielder Carrick told the Evening Chronicle: "Smudge is a good player and he played in different positions last year for Newcastle.

"When he played last year for Man United up front he was tremendous, and in the Roma game in the Champions League when we won 7-1 he was brilliant.

"Everyone who knows him knows he gives everything. He's got a lot of quality and I think he'll have a great season. He's a good, honest lad and I'm sure he'll do well."