22 July 2005
Ryan Smith: Interview

Arsenal winger Ryan Smith talks to TheFA.com from inside the England base at the European U19 Championship..


England v Norway
UEFA European U19 Championship
The Showgrounds, Newry
23 July 2005

Arsenal flyer Ryan Smith goes into Saturday’s crucial clash against Norway with the words of Arsene Wenger still ringing in his ears.

The England U19 star is hoping the advice of his club manager can help him guide England to the last four of the European Championship in Northern Ireland.

"The manager says to me: ‘You’ve got pace and you’ve got skill but just use it when you need to but don’t forget to play simple when you can’," revealed Smith ahead of Saturday’s must-win match.

"He’s always helping me. He spoke to me before I came out here during our first week of pre-season training. He told me he wants me to do well here and then hopefully I can look to get myself fixed in the [Arsenal] team."

With England ranked as the top side in Europe, Saturday’s game against the Norwegians takes on extra significance as Martin Hunter’s side look to deliver their potential and reach the semi-finals.

Winger Smith, 18, is one of England’s flair players and says he has been learning from some of the Premiership’s best - Thierry Henry and Robert Pires.

"You never stop leaning and in training they do some magical things. You cannot help but to learn from people like that - it’s wonderful to be training with them.

"You can’t just stop and watch because you’re training but you can admire.

"I always talk with the older players. They are really helpful in getting you to understand parts of the game that you may not be familiar with."

Martin Hunter’s side need to beat Norway to progress to the semi-finals. Stay with TheFA.com for all the latest news and views from Northern Ireland.