Smith was training with the rest of Howard Wilkinson's under-21 squad at Oulton Hall near Leeds in preparation for Thursday's friendly with Georgia at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium when he was informed of Keegan's decision, before being whisked away to Burnham Beeches to link up with the seniors.

In less than two years Smith has risen from the ranks of youth team football at Elland Road to a potential full international cap against world and European champions France.

The possibility of playing at the Stade de France this Saturday will complete a remarkable transitional period for Smith, who has suddenly thrust himself into recognition following a sensational start to the season.

When the 19-year-old striker scored with his first touch on his debut in a 3-1 win at Liverpool in November 1998, the comparisons with another teenage hero not playing at Anfield that day in Michael Owen were instant.

A further eight goals in 21 appearances followed that season for Smith and the world seemed his for the taking, only for the youngster to suffer an ankle injury in pre-season last summer.

By his own admission a "nightmare" season followed as he scored just six times in 37 matches as he was plagued by the injury, while he also suffered with a suspect temperament.

Smith was prone to making hot-headed challenges - which included getting sent off after butting Tottenham defender Mauricio Taricco in a 2-1 win - which threatened to overshadow his talent. But surgery in May and a number of heart-to-heart talks with Leeds boss David O'Leary during pre-season have led to the youngster taking Europe and the Premiership by storm.

Five goals in four matches have followed as Smith has looked a livewire up front in a three-man strikeforce with new 6million signing Mark Viduka and last season's 21-goal star Michael Bridges.

"I watched him on Saturday, playing his part in a very good Leeds performance at Middlesbrough," said Keegan yesterday. "There is no doubt he is one for the future. Obviously if he gets a chance - which is a possibility if a couple of players don't make it - then the rest is up to Alan Smith. I wouldn't have any qualms in throwing him in terms of ability."

For Smith, it is a call which has come completely out of the blue as he only has one under-21 cap to his name, that against Denmark last October when he again scored on his debut in a 4-1 success at Bradford's Valley Parade.

Even Smith, talking on Monday at Oulton Hall, admitted he was not ready to make "the step up", although Keegan clearly seems to believe otherwise.

"A lot of people talk about Michael Owen and how great it was for him to step up, but for me it's a bit different," said Smith. "After getting into the first team, last season was a step back for me, so this year is about me building again.

"If you look we've still got world-class strikers playing in the Premiership every week. Owen, Heskey, Fowler and Cole are all top-class strikers who have scored goals in the Premier League every year. So I think I've still a long way to go to emulate them. But that's what I've got to do before I can think about getting into the full squad.

"I'm still only 19 and I don't think I'm ready to go any further than the under-21s at the moment. I've only played once at this level so to move up would be a big step for me.''

It is a step Smith has clearly taken ahead of schedule, but he also knows he could not be going into such a monumental period of his life and career in better form.

"Last season was a nightmare for me and I just wanted to get it over with and concentrate on this season and getting my fitness back,'' said Smith. "I was disappointed with myself last year, while everyone made a point about my attitude which led to the gaffer having a word.

"I came back for pre-season after a two-week break. I came in with the injured lads and I just got my head down and started working hard. I was then raring to go. Goals were hard to come by last season but at the minute they are going in from everywhere and I just hope it can continue. It's been a great start for me and it feels like I'm on top of the world."