Alan Smith has revealed his desire to prove his worth to The Magpies after a barren run which has seen him yet to score for Newcastle.
Newcastle utility man is ready for the fight
Alan Smith has revealed his desire to prove his worth to The Magpies after a barren run which has seen him without a competitive goal for Newcastle.
The former Manchester United striker has mainly been deployed as a central midfielder during his time in the North East, but Kevin Keegan has used him as a strike partner to Michael Owen since his return to St James' Park.
Smith admits that is time for himself and his team mates to accept their recent criticism and bounce back to ensure their Premier League status.
"It is a time where we have to stand up and be counted, go out in front of 52,000 people and prove our worth," Smith told the
Newcastle Chroicle.
"We've got to show everyone that we want to fight for the cause. We looked at our home games as ones that were winnable and one was against Blackburn.
"We've deserved criticism on occasions this season and we're all big enough to accept that.
"It's up to us as a team, as players and as people, to sort that out."
Disastrous
Newcastke are yet to win in 2008 and have only scored three times in Keegan's seven games back at the helm.
Despite the disastrous run, Smith believes the former England boss will ensure The Magpies do not drop out of the top flight for the first time since 1992.
"The more and more we work together, the more influence the manager is having, said Smith."
"We are getting fitter and there is a camaraderie, and that is something the gaffer has emphasised since he came in.
"Everyone is playing for each other and that stands us in good stead."
Despite the end of the transfer window, Keegan is pondering over whether to sign Senegalese defender Lamine Diatta.
The 32-year-old has been training with the Magpies in the last few days and will play in a practice match before Keegan makes his decision.
