Full-back Liam aiming to open national boss Clarke’s eyes to a different approach
Liam Smith aims to use Dundee United’s Tannadice meeting with Celtic today to advertise his claims for a Scotland call-up.
The 24-year-old right-back has already represented his country on numerous occasions at Under- 19 and Under- 21 levels.
And having seen St Johnstone’s Shaun Rooney touted as a contender off the back of his match-winning turn in the Betfred Cup Final, he is eager to catch the attention of national coach, Steve Clarke.
“Shaun fully grabbed his opportunity with his performance in the Final. Everybody spoke about it afterwards,” said Smith.
“So that is a reminder that when the game is on TV, it is a chance to show what you can do, and one you want to grab with both hands.
“Is there a chance for Scottish rightbacks to get involved ahead of the Euros? Absolutely.
“It is probably Stephen O’donnell’s jersey to lose – and rightfully so – because he has gone in and performed well for Scotland.
“But if you want to have aims and aspirations, then you have to look at him and compare yourself against him, and look to challenge him.
“If other boys ( Rooney and Mikey Devlin of Aberdeen) in the league are being talked about, then I don’t see why my name should not also be in there.
“Looking at the league table, for example, we are sixth and I am playing every week – and consistently well – in the team.
“So if there are a number of boys being talked about, I would like to think I could be included in that conversation, and hopefully show I should be included in it.
“Ultimately, being involved in international football is what we all want to achieve, so it is something that I can hopefully push towards.”
Smith has already had one boost to his confidence this year. His new deal from the Tangerines is tangible evidence of their satisfaction with his progression.
“I have signed a further two- year extension,” said the Fifer. “I am happy to extend for security for another couple of years, and Dundee United are going in the right direction.
“Coming into this season, I had proved that I could do it in the Championship for two or three years, developed, and become a better player.
“It was then about coming into the Premiership again – which I had experience of when I was younger – as a fully-fledged first-team player to prove that I am more than capable of playing at this level, and then challenging myself to push on even further.
“I think I can be pleased with how I’ve done personally. I’ve performed consistently and proven I can play in the top league. Hopefully it is now about kicking on and becoming a top full-back at this level.”
Smith scored his first goal for United when champions-elect Rangers won 2-1 at Tannadice at the end of 2020, and he is bullish about the prospect of facing the club they are poised to dethrone.
“Celtic are not the winning machine they have been over a number of years, where they were potentially untouchable,” he said.
“There are areas and weaknesses you can possibly get at, whereas in years gone by, it would be hard to find a weakness in them.
“They are probably lower on confidence than they have been.
“However, they are still a team full of internationals and top players. You have to respect that, but absolutely you go into the game with the belief that you are capable to go and beat them.”
On a personal level, Smith acknowledges playing the Hoops will pose something of a tactical challenge.
“For a full-back, it is a case of being patient when you play against a ‘diamond’ midfield. So you do not go out chasing players, looking for somebody to play against, he said.
“You know Celtic will play with their full-backs high, so it’s a case of waiting for their full-backs to come on to you, or if somebody comes into your area, picking them up then.
“So it’ s different, but if you communicate with the man in front of you, then you can
handle it all right.”