When were you first told about the captaincy and what was your reaction?

"I was only told this morning. The manager pulled me aside before training and said he'd like me to be the captain tomorrow. As everyone knows It is a dream come true for myself and hopefully we can get a win and enjoy it."

It couldn't have been a big surprise considering who was out?

"It was still a bit of a surprise because there are people in the squad who are a lot more experienced than me. It was a surprise but it's very nice to be captain for one night and hopefully I can cap it off with a good win."

Sven said he is giving you a central role, how pleasing is that?

"It's nice, everyone knows my favourite position is central midfield where I play for Liverpool.

"I'm not too sure what the managers plans are for the summer but it's a great chance for me to impress in the centre tomorrow. Hopefully I can put in a good performance."

Also there is that unbeaten record of yours to protect.

"Long may it continue, obviously it is not too important, the record I've got, the most important thing is for the team to keep progressing and have a successful summer, but it is nice to keep winning and getting results."

Since the first choice isn't here how hard does it make it?

"If you miss six players of their calibre it is always going to be difficult. There are some great players that are going to be missing but we've still got some quality in the squad and it is a great opportunity for them to come in and shine. They deserve the chance and hopefully it goes well for them."

How much more pressure is there with the captains armband and do you feel it?

"Yeah, a little bit but I'm not going to put too much pressure on myself since it is only a one off. I had a bit of experience at club level so I'm going to enjoy it and I'll just go out and take it as any other game."

What sort of captain will you be?

"I don't think I'll be a shouter, I think those days of captains that shout all the time are gone now. You've got to lead by example with your perfomance and help your team-mates get the right result."

How tired are you at this stage of the season?

"We've played a lot of football but that is what we get paid to do and I think most of it is mental.

"I'm feeling good at the moment and we'll get a bit of a rest before the tournament in the summer so I'm sure ewveryone will be fine by the time France comes around."

Do you ever not go into a game 100 percent because you feel like you don't want to get injured?

"No, I treat every game the same, I think players are trying to impress and so friendlies are important. It is a chance gain experience and a chance for the manager to try different things so there is a lot to get out of it."

Has Michael Owen or David Beckham been in touch with you yet?

"Not yet but I'm sure he will be in touch with a text or something. We are quite close anyway so I'm sure he'll get in touch."


Meanwhile Leeds United striker Alan Smith is looking forward to playing at international level again...

Are you hoping to play a part against Sweden?

"I hope so and I'll give it my best. Hopefully it will be easier for me than playing for my club has been recently. Playing with better players maybe I will get a few more chances than I have been with Leeds."

What chance do you think you have of making the squad for Euro 2004?

"I think I have a good chance of getting in. I think with the games we have got coming up at Leeds they are as big as anyone has. We have eight games to keep us in the Premiership and eight big games to try and press for a place in Euro 2004.

"It's going to be a big couple of months for me and I want to make the most of it."