"He's a good all-round player and that's what you need in the modern game," said the Leeds United boss, who has played Smith both upfront and in a deeper midfield role.

"I don't think the changes have done him any harm because it gives you more choices when you go into an international set-up.

"If it means Alan playing on the left side of midfield he will do it, or he can also play right and central.

"Those facets of his game really help, especially when an England manager has to pick 22 players to go to a competition", commented Venables.

The Leeds manager is a known admirer of the 'Total Football' that the Dutch team advocated in the '70s. "He's got the attitude that he's prepared to do whatever is required. It's like the Dutch players when they say they're a footballer.

"Alan doesn't just say 'I can play centre forward', because he's played there and not scored and still done well.

"It's great he's like that because if you just have a goal-scorer and he doesn't score you've got nothing."

Smith scored on his full England debut against Portugal at Villa Park in September but didn't make the starting eleven the next month for the qualifier away in Slovakia.

However, he was back in the side for the clash with Macedonia, but an energetic and spirited performance was tarnished by Smith receiving a red card late in the game.

England manager Sven Goran Eriksson decided not to criticise Smith for his sending off but rather praised him for what was otherwise a rather impressive display alongside Michael Owen in the front line.

Since then his club form has been eye-catching and Venables feels if Smith keeps a level head he could have the world at his feet. "He's a young player who is learning and he's showing terrific signs," he said.

"I don't want him to get carried away and he needs to just keep on an even keel.

"He does what you ask him to do and he has a great attitude. I wouldn't tell Sven what to do, but the signs he showed partnering Owen were good."