Smalling: Gems To Be Found In Non-League

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling feels more "hidden gems" like Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy can be found further down the football pyramid.

The centre-back was speaking to reporters after playing against Vardy on Saturday, when the Foxes forward set a new Barclays Premier League standard by scoring in an eleventh consecutive game. His feat seems even more remarkable when you consider the record breaker was playing non-league football for Fleetwood Town in the Conference, England's fifth tier, as recently as 2011/12.

"With Jamie's success, I think you will see clubs having a little bit more of a look in non-league for players," said Smalling, who began his own career a couple of rungs below the Conference.

"If you can find some sort of hidden gems in local or non-league football, I think it would be a no-brainer to give them a chance."

Smalling started out at Maidstone United in 2007/08, when the Kent side were playing in the Isthmian League. He believes his stint there, prior to joining Fulham, has helped him to stay grounded and very appreciative of where he is today as a regular starter for both the Reds and England.

"It's one job getting here but it's 10 times harder making sure you stay here," reflected Smalling.

"There is so much competition and this club is always seeking the best players so I think you have got that drive to make sure that you deserve your place in the team.

"If you do have a bad game, then you can look back and see how far you have come. For example, we didn't have changing rooms in non-league football like the ones we see nowadays. Sometimes I'd be better off getting changed in my car!"

It seems experiences like those have helped to shape Smalling and Vardy. "Jamie is such a laid-back character," commented Chris on his now England colleague.

"Everyone is talking about him and he is doing great things this season but you can tell he is the kind of lad that is not going to change. He takes everything in his stride."

Smalling could have just as easily been talking about himself.