Smith, James

[TLW]

Written by Dave Usher

JAMES SMITH PROFILE     Date of Birth - 17/10/85 Nationality - English Position - Defender Games - 1 Goals - 0 Cost - Club Hons (Lpool) - None Club Hons (other - None Intnl Hons - None Other Clubs - Ross County (loan)

When Norris Green lad Smith stepped foot onto the Anfield turf as a substitute in a League Cup tie with Reading, it was an unlikely tale of local lad made good. Jay's journey to the first team had been far from smooth, and at one stage any chance he had of even landing a professional contract at the club looked to have gone.

As a teenager at the Academy, Smith had more than his share of problems. On the pitch, his performances were by and large excellent, the only concern being an overly aggressive attitude that occasionally saw him wanting to fight opponents instead of concentrating on his game. He had pace, loved to tackle, and although not the tallest his spring made him competitive in the air. In short, he was a tough defender who was difficult to play against.

However, at the start of 2003 Jay quit the Academy. A few weeks later he was back, only to leave again at the end of the season after not being offered the pro-contract he wanted. At the start of the 2003/04 pre-season training he was back once more, albeit only on a trial basis, and he did enough to persuade Steve Heighway to allow him to complete the final year of his Academy contract.

His form was such that he forced his way into the reserve side, and at the end of the season he was rewarded with a professional contract. The following season his form was extremely consistent, which was an impressive feat considering he spent a lot of time in the unfamiliar role of left back. He was again rewarded with an extended contract, and in 2006/07 he was names as a substitute for the first team squad for the League Cup game with Reading.

With the reds 3-0 up and cruising, Smith was brought on at right back in place of his pal Lee Peltier. Suddenly, through no real fault of the youngster, Liverpool began to look dodgy at the back and conceded to make it 3-1. Crouch restored the three goal cushion, but Reading scored two more to ensure a nervous finale as Liverpool's defence capitulated.

Smith was not to blame for what happened, but it proved to be a baptism of fire. Not long afterwards, James joined Ross County on loan for the remainder of the season.