I am just itching to get involved again Manchester United's Alan Smith

The 25-year-old broke his leg on 18 February, but has now come through three appearances for the reserves.

Smith was originally expected to be out of action for the whole of 2006.

"If the gaffer were to ask me if I'd be ready for the bench against Spurs, I'd say 'yes' without hesitation," Smith told the Manchester Evening News.

Smith said he hoped to be involved in the near future even if United boss Sir Alex Ferguson decided against including him on the bench at the weekend.

"Ninety minutes of Premiership football would be very difficult at the moment but to come on as a substitute would be no problem," added Smith.

"If you are playing at Old Trafford, you get that adrenaline rush and that would see you through.

"If it is not this weekend then we have the Champions League starting next week against Celtic and, with seven allowed on the bench, then there might be a chance."

Smith is desperate to make up for his lengthy spell on the sidelines, with his face becoming a familiar sight in the Old Trafford stands.

"I am fed up of watching," he told MUTV.