Smalling Needs A Little Time

Ex-Reds defender Gary Pallister has been impressed by the glimpses of new signing Chris Smalling but says that the defender must be given time to adjust to life at United before his ability is properly judged.

Smalling, who is now on England Under-21 international duty for their games against Portugal and Lithuania, made his home debut for the Reds as a second-half substitute against West Ham at the weekend.

"On the pre season tour of America I thought he looked strong, quick and good on the ball," said Pally. “But it is still hard to judge at this early stage.

"Players sometimes come to Old Trafford and go into their shell as they are overawed by the expectation. But I'm confident that he has what it takes to make it here."

Gary acknowledges that Smalling has a long way to go before reaching the level of performance achieved week in, week out by the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

But he says that going off first instincts, the Reds may have found a diamond in the rough. "We have seen him play regularly at Fulham and he doesn’t look daunted by the Premier League. So hopefully when he is given a good run in the side he will prove that the manager has still got a good eye for a top-class defender!"