Alan Smith admits he used Ole Gunnar Solskajer as inspiration as he fought his way back to full fitness at Manchester United last season.

"There are a lot of players at United who have had bad injuries," said Smith, who is vying with Peter Crouch for the right to partner Michael Owen for England tonight.

"Ole is such a lovely person, and has been out for over two years with bad injuries but you would see him in every day in training, working in the gym to stay fit.

"Roy Keane also went through a period where he had massive injuries and the club gave him time to work on it and establish himself back in the team as well.

"First and foremost you have to be strong yourself, and never stop believing that you can get back in that first team."