Leeds United's FA Cup hero Alan Smith is set to be unleashed on Middlesbrough tomorrow as David O'Leary's side look to return to winning ways in the Premiership.

The 18-year-old struck with two vital goals to sink plucky non-leaguers Rushden & Diamonds in a third round replay..

It was only Smith's third starting appearance for Leeds although Wednesday night's brace took him to four goals since bursting into the United side in November.

And Leeds boss David O'Leary said: "Jimmy looked sharp against Rushden & Diamonds and after a rusty first 20 minutes, Lucas Radebe got his sharpness back.

"But I thought the best player was Alan Smith. I think he's an outstanding young player. I brought him off against Rushden because his calves were getting a bit tight.

"I am trying to save him to get him through to the end of the season. I have not got the luxury of being able to send him on a weeks holiday.

"I have to coax all the young players through and that is why I brought him off. It isn't injury, just a bit of cramp and he will be playing on Saturday."

The return of captain Radebe against Rushden was also a major boost for O'Leary, whose side has been badly hit by injuries and suspensions in recent weeks.

Central defenders Martin Hiden and Robert Molenaar are both out for the rest of the season while teenage prospect Jonathon Woodgate is out tomorrow due to suspension.

The 18-year-old was sent off two weeks ago in the original tie with Rushden at Nene Park when the game finished goalless.

Radebe appeared to be struggling early during Wednesday's game and was badly caught for pace for Rushden's goal when striker Miguel De Souza sped past him down the Leeds' left side of defence.

However he improved dramatically as the game progressed and pulled off several vital tackles when the non-leaguers threatened to attack the United goal.

Meanwhile, Rushden star Jim Rodwell knows his 15 minutes of fame will have come to an end when he runs out for tomorrow's FA Trophy clash at Slough - to the sound of people munching crisps.

"We are a big non-League scalp now for everybody out there. We're there to be shot at and I'm sure they'll all be having a go after this," said the defender.

"But I've enjoyed every minute of it and I'm going to miss all the attention this weekend. I won't know what to do with myself.

"I'm hoping, though, that this is just the jam of a cake which will be iced later this year with the Conference title - and we've still got Wembley in our sights with the FA Trophy.

"But after playing in front of 40,000, which was an unbelievable experience for me, it's going to be an anti-climax at Slough."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.