Alan talks about his new role in The Sunday Times:
"People probably don't realise that so much work goes into learning the role and I've tried to take a bit from all those players. And the key to it is simplicity. Once you get used to that position and adapt to it, you don't have to go flying into tackles because you read the game differently. People always think that Alan Smith has got to go forward all the time, but I've got to learn that role, adapt to it and realise that my role in the team is to protect the back four and keep the play flowing. The gaffer has told me that it's not an experiment any more, he wants me to play in there. I don't mind not going upfield and scoring, I've never been a player who thrives on glory and at times, at Leeds, it got me into trouble because I tried so hard that I kept getting myself booked.
About replacing Keane:
"Why not? Someone has got to do it. People talk about me replacing Roy but Roy's still here. If I'm in that position and am competing against one of the best players in the world, I've got to do that. I'm up for that challenge and I want it. It's him or me.
"I think I'm doing OK in the middle and I'm learning, that's the main thing. The Manchester derby last Saturday was a big test for me and I enjoyed it. I think people get over-excited and say Alan Smith is still a striker, blah, blah, blah...and they expect me to do more than the position. Even on Saturday, the gaffer and Carlos said that I tried to do too much instead of holding my position and just being sensible with it. And that's part of it really, not to get excited in there. Roy very rarely goes forward."