Football Corner

Alan Smith will definetly not take further part in this season's Premiership campaign or in England's World Cup campaign in Germany in June after he suffered a horror injury during Manchester United's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool in the FA Cup 5th round match today at Anfield. It has been confirmed tonight by Manchester United staff that former Leeds United hard man has suffered a broken left leg and a dislocated left ankle. Smith was attempting to block a John Arne Riise free-kick when he landed very very awkwardly on his left leg and it came apparent straight away that something was wrong when Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar waved franticly at the United physio's.

A grim-faced Ferguson said: "It's one of the worst I've seen. He's broken his leg and there's a dislocation of the ankle joint. "It's a very long-term injury - we're all behind him as he's a brave lad." The game was delayed by five minutes as Smith received treatment and was given oxygen as he was stretchered off. United's medical team were given help by Liverpool club doctor Mark Waller as the midfielder waited to be carried off.

Ferguson added: "I wasn't aware of what had happened because I was following the path of the ball, but you saw the reaction of the players round about Alan and you knew it was a bad one. "It is another bad blow for us and it sums up our season." Ferguson's counterpart, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, was quick to offer his sympathy to Smith. "We're all so sorry and we can only wish him all the best for the future," he said.

This is obviously very very bad news for Man United and Alan Smith himself because he had only just returned from a ankle injury today and was brought on during the second half. Smith has been one of United's better players this season and for him to be out for what could be a whole season and a bit would be a devastating blow for the Red Devils. It was a very nice touch to see the Liverpool fans clap him off the Anfield turf. Get well soon Smithy!