 |  I think Old Trafford is probably the best place to go to finish his education |
When Paul Hart went to see his first youth match as Leeds Academy coach in 1992, he could barely believe his luck.
An 11-year-old boy stood head and shoulders above the rest, his work-rate and commitment to the cause glaringly obvious even at such a tender age.
The young man's name was Alan Smith.
Twelve years on, as Smith completes his big-money move from Leeds to Manchester United, Hart recalls the impact he immediately made.
"It's amazing that he was the first kid they took me to see having got the job," Hart told BBC Sport.
"That day he was outstanding, and he always stood out every time I saw him.
"He had great ability and he had that edge from a young age too.
"Even as a boy he had great belief in himself, expected an awful lot from the people around him and was obviously a winner."
Hart watched Smith's progress for five years at Elland Road, leaving just before the striker broke into the first team at the tender age of 17.
And the current Barnsley boss, who has developed several promising young players both at Leeds and Nottingham Forest, does not doubt Smith will be a success at Old Trafford.
| ALAN SMITH FACTFILE 1980: Born Wakefield, 20 Oct 1998: Makes debut for Leeds, scoring in 3-1 win at Liverpool 1999: First red card, in 2-1 victory at Tottenham 2001: Sent off in Champions League semi-final defeat at Valencia. Makes England debut in 4-0 win over Mexico 2002: Scores four as Leeds win 4-1 away at Hapoel Tel Aviv 2004: Plays last game for Leeds as they are relegated and signs for Manchester United. Also left out of England's Euro 2004 squad |
"He fits the bill for United. They like people with a touch of aggression and I'm sure that has attracted Sir Alex Ferguson to him," Hart added.
"He's a very committed player, wholehearted in what he does, and I think he's a manager's dream.
"He's very young and Alan would probably say he's got loads to learn yet. He's not the finished article, he's got a lot to come.
"I think it's probably the best place to go to finish his education. They'll be challenging in Europe and for the league, there will be different pressures but I think it'll suit him down to the ground.
"I have no doubt he will make it at Old Trafford, and I think they've done the right thing buying him instead of another striker.
"Top-quality strikers rarely come on the market and I would think that's how Manchester United view him, plus he's reasonably priced too."
 Alan Smith broke into the Leeds side at the tender age of 17 |
Smith managed just nine goals for Leeds this season as they were relegated from the Premiership, playing many games on the right-hand side of midfield, but Hart says he has what it takes to be a top marksman.
"Alan's a centre-forward, that's for sure, it's his best position. But going into European competition you need a squad and players who can play in different positions.
"It's not helped being in a struggling Leeds team this season, he's been rampaging around trying to keep things ticking over.
"He's probably not been as selfish as he would have been in a side that's playing well and clicking.
"I think he can score goals, and one thing he definitely is is brave enough to get into those areas where top goalscorers make their name and that's in the six-yard box."
MMIX
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