Smith digs deep for Arsenal

A superb Kelly Smith goal the highlight of Arsenal LFC's 4-1 victory against Breidablik last night that took the English champions into the UEFA Women's Cup semi-finals with a 9-1 aggregate victory. The solo effort was Arsenal's second of the night, but the playmaker had not expected to figure as manager Vic Akers attempts to protect the knee which has caused her so much trouble over the years.

'Surprised to start'
"I didn't think I was playing because of what Vic said to me last week, so I was surprised to start," Smith said. "I hadn't started the last couple of games as he wants to rest my body and have a regeneration period for my knee. The amount of games we have had in the last month or so, it has been Sunday, Wednesday, Sunday, Wednesday. Vic is trying to wrap me in cotton wool and think about my long-term career. My knee has taken a hammering over the years."

Confidence
Now Arsenal are through to meet Brøndby IF over two legs next month, having already met in Russia in the second qualifying round. "There is a belief we can do it having already beaten Brøndby 1-0," Smith said. "I'm really enjoying playing in this Arsenal team with the players that we have got. We've strengthened our squad, and it's a pleasure to be part of it. We're doing well in Europe, and with England qualifying for the [FIFA Women's] Word Cup it seems English football is moving forward so rapidly."