Ow, That Hurts

A couple of really nasty injuries this weekend with both Italy's Francesco Totti and England's Alan Smith breaking their legs. In Totti's case, the estimate is that he will be out for a couple of months and may just be fit in time for the World Cup.

Smith's injury, by contrast, was far nastier, necessitating prompt surgery and current reports indicate that he'll be out for a year or so. While not a first choice England player, Smith would have been an extremely useful addition to the squad as his versatility combined with pride and passion are always able to help lift a side that's flagging a little.

I've always had a lot of time for Smith as a player and an individual. I like that combination of aggression and skill and think he has been ill-served by Manchester United in their attempt to convert him into a hard-tackling midfielder. He was a great striker - probably still is. When he comes back from this injury, maybe he'll be given the chance to show it.

He also has that typically deadpan Yorkshire humour, saying, when interviewed by The Sun : "When I looked down, the leg was laying one way and my ankle was pointing towards Hong Kong so I knew I was in serious trouble.."