Scored with his first touch in senior football as Leeds beat Liverpool in November 1998, going on to to establish himself as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's first choice striking partner for the rest of that season.
Joined Leeds' Centre of Excellence at the age of 10, but went home from the now-defunct National Centre of Excellence at Lilleshall after failing to settle. At that time he was an England Under-16 international.
Couples a deadly eye for goal with a real aggression and a desire unusual in one so slight of stature. A fearless competitor, he has had some high profile run-ins with the likes of Tony Adams and half the Roma defence, and has yet to come off worst!
After the appointment of David O'Leary in October 1998, Smith was one of several youngsters to benefit from the Irishman's belief in his younger charges.
And though an ankle injury hampered him during 1999/2000, he could be an England star of the future.
Gained excellent experience during Leeds' successful Champions League run during the 2000/01 season. But the fiery striker was sent-off in Leeds last game of the competition and he must learn to stay cool.
Fought off the challenge of Robbie Keane to stay third in the pecking order at the club, but the 2001/02 season saw him deployed in a midfield role to accommodate the signing of Robbie Fowler from Liverpool. That understandably had a detrimental affect on his goals return.
Made his England debut against Mexico at Pride Park in May 2001, and remained high on England boss Sven Goran Eriksson's list of strikers for the 2002 World Cup - even if he hadn't played for his country since August 2001 against Holland at White Hart Lane.
In the end Smith failed to make the cut for the trip to Japan, and was instead selected for the European Under-21 championships. Smith, playing both in midfield and up front at times, was a real star in Switzerland, even though David Platt's side failed to make it through their group.
Is sure to get further chances with the national side, although it is likely he will need to play as more of an orthodox striker for Leeds to boost his chances. By the start of the 2002/03 season he had scored 38 goals in 167 games for the club.
Will have to sort out his disciplinary problems, however, with 34 yellow cards and five red in that time.
Started England first game of the campaign - a friendly with Portugal - and marked it with a superb headed goal. Smith was named man of the match as he enhanced his credentials for the role alongside Michael Owen massively.
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