http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chris-c9006 Smalling looking to cement place in Manchester United first eleven
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling believes he can retain his place in the first team and prove his mettle to manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 21-year-old said that he is ready to step up to any chances and the injury to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rio-Ferdinand-c31173 has provided him with that chance. Ferdinand has been ruled out with a calf injury and Smalling has come up with some brilliant performances recently to give
the Sir Alex a selection headache when Rio gets fit.
“When Rio got injured, it was time for me to step up to the plate. They're big shoes to fill, but hopefully with my performances, and the sort of games and massive occasions I've been playing in, I can get the manager's faith in me and he can justify playing
me,” said the former Fulham defender.
The defender said he understands that Ferdinand is still the main man as he has been for so many years for United but he is willing to fight for a place in the first team and will grasp any opportunities coming his way. He said that no player wants to sit
on the bench and whenever the chances come, he will take them.
Smalling admitted he was not expecting to play in a lot of games in the ongoing 2010-11 season with the likes of Johnny Evans and John O’Shea ahead of him. He said he is enjoying his time at United and hopes to go a long way.
“I know I'll have to bide my time. But I'm always going to be ready, because no player wants to be sitting on the bench. It's possibly more than I expected this season. Not so much in terms of the number of games, because I hoped to be given a few, but the
types of games I've been involved in. But I'm enjoying it,” said Smalling.
The former Fulham man said that United have been on top for a long time now and it was the time to win some more matches to further increase their lead over the rivals.
He said that his side is united and can definitely win the Premier League title in the current season.
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