Smith is one of the most decorated amateur boxers of his generation

Aintree featherweight Stephen Smith is in confident mood ahead of his professional debut in Birmingham at the NIA on Saturday night.

The European bronze medallist has been training with former WBU World featherweight champion Derry Mathews.

And Smith told BBC Radio Merseyside that working with Mathews has aided his preparation greatly.

"Sparring has been brilliant," he said. "It's the best learning I can get. He's confident in my abilities to do well."

Smith, who won Commonwealth gold in 2006, makes his paid debut on the undercard of Amir Khan's Commonwealth title defence against Michael Gomez.

His elder brother Paul is also on the bill, defending the English middleweight title against Steven Bendall.

Smith has been warned by Mathews to expect a rough ride in the professional ranks.

"He said at first it will be like a cup final for them because I've come from the amateurs with a top name. It's a big thing for them if they can beat me, so he said 'be up for every fight' and I'm going to be."

Smith, who narrowly missed out on qualifying for this summer's Beijing Olympics, had originally planned to follow brother Paul over to America to train.

The stuff I have learned from George and Danny Vaughn has been brilliant so I've been happy staying where I am Stephen Smith

"I started training at Bridge Road and Georgie Vaughn was helping me.

"I was happy there and I fitted in.

"The stuff I have learned from George and Danny Vaughn has been brilliant so I've been happy staying where I am."