GOAL-HERO Tommy Smith, perhaps more than most, is determined to retain his place for Sunderland's FA Cup semi-final.

Smith was part of the Watford squad that faced Southampton in the last four of the competition last season.

But, after his goals dumped both Burnley and ironically Sunderland out in earlier rounds, the striker was omitted from the starting line-up against the Saints as the Hornets opted for Michael Chopra, who was on loan from Newcastle, instead.

Now Smith, who has scored for Sunderland in the last three rounds, wants to prove to manager Mick McCarthy that he deserves to keep his place.

"It was a tough time for me after I got dropped at Watford," said Smith, whose sweet strike on 15 minutes proved enough to knock Sheffield United out at the quarter-finals stage yesterday. "I still have to fight for my place because we have three tough strikers at this club. Hopefully I can keep my place for the semi-final.

"The semi-final in the FA Cup last season left me devastated because I didn't start and I have had to get over it. It was just tough to take.

"When I scored for Watford to beat Sunderland I just remember it being fantastic for Watford to knock a Premiership side out. But hopefully the fans will think I have done a lot to repay them since I joined."

Smith, who celebrates his birthday on Cup final day, was delighted with his strike, although conceded he could not remember much about it.

"It's been a fantastic month for me but a bit of a blur and long may it continue," said Smith, who scored the two goals that knocked Birmingham City out last month. "The goal is a bit of a blur. I just remember it going in the corner and I'm sure when I get in I will see it on TV.

"I'm glad I put it in. I would have got a bit of stick if I hadn't because there were a few players lined up screaming for the ball."

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