John Sheridan: 'I could use Alan Smith as a striker for Notts County'

Alan Smith could be deployed up front for Notts County more regularly after lining up in attack against Sunderland in the EFL Trophy, John Sheridan has said.

The 36-year-old played as a centre-forward in Wednesday night's 2-1 defeat at the Stadium of Light and performed admirably before being subbed off with cramp.

"What I love about him – and I think most players who play the game feel the same – is you just love somebody who has enthusiasm," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post.

"As he was putting his boots on it was like he was making his debut. I am telling you, it's a different world for some players today.

"I watched him, how he wanted to do everything right, and he was a quality player in his day.

"But he showed he can still probably play up front. He's certainly given me food for thought.

"He suffered with cramp, but I didn't want to take him off."

Smith first came to prominence as both a striker and a winger during his early days at Leeds United before Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson converted him to a holding midfielder.

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