Brian McDermott plays down long ball claim

Leeds United boss Brian McDermott has insisted that the team will not be "smashing long balls" into new signing Matt Smith next season.

The 24-year-old agreed to join the Championship outfit from Oldham Athletic on Monday, but McDermott has insisted that the powerful forward is more than just a physical presence.

McDermott told the club's official website: "It is a major asset. But it doesn't mean to say we'll be smashing long balls in. He can take it in, hold it up, you saw his goal against Everton from a set-play.

"His movement is good. He's a work in progress, but he's not an 18-year-old work in progress. He's done well in games and we feel he is a good asset."

Smith, who is 6ft 6in tall, scored against Liverpool and Everton in the FA Cup last season.