England coach Steve McClaren believes Alan Smith's flexibility will be a valuable asset in the forthcoming clashes with Brazil and Estonia.

After suffering horrific leg injuries in an FA Cup tie at Liverpool in February 2006, Smith was out of the game for virtually 13 months before finally returning to action on a regular basis.

In the end, Smith featured in eight games during Manchester United's title run-in and also made a substitute appearance in the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea, having been restored to an orthodox striking role by Sir Alex Ferguson.

It was the position Smith occupied at Burnley on Friday, when he was a goalscorer in England's B international triumph over Albania.

However, McClaren has not forgotten the former Leeds man's last senior appearance for his country came as a midfielder against Poland in October 2005.

And with injuries depleting his resources in both midfield and attack, McClaren has had no hesitation in bringing Smith into the fold for the first time since he replaced Sven-Goran Eriksson as coach last summer.

"Alan offers something to England wherever he plays," said McClaren.

"He can play at the top of an attack, or he can drop a bit deeper or also play in midfield. It is always an advantage to have players who can be flexible."

McClaren also knows Smith brings a no-nonsense approach to his squad and an ebullient personality capable of lifting a dressing room which has suffered a number of blows over the past few months, notably the sustained abuse from their own supporters during the scrappy win over Andorra in Barcelona last month.

"Alan is a winner," said McClaren.

"He brings a certain attitude and toughness which has shone through during his battle for fitness."

McClaren was at Old Trafford to watch Smith's remarkable contribution to United's sensational 7-1 Champions League rout of AS Roma over Easter, when the £6million forward belted home the vital second.

And while the 26-year-old could not add another to his tally in United colours over the remainder of the campaign, a brief chat with Ferguson was enough to convince McClaren that Smith was worth selecting.

"I watched Alan when he came back against Roma and really upset their back four," he recalled.

"He was the platform for Manchester United going on to win that game.

"I spoke to Sir Alex (Ferguson) after that and he said how well the boy had done and what a great attitude he had, which we always knew. I have monitored him closely ever since and he deserves to be back in."

While Smith's return deserves special attention and Michael Owen's comeback means England finally have competition for the striking berths even though Andrew Johnson is injured and Wayne Rooney is suspended, McClaren knows the week will now turn into the David Beckham show, following the former captain's recall.

Beckham continued his excellent current form in Real Madrid's win over Deportivo La Coruna at the Bernabeu which keeps the Spanish giants on track for their first La Liga title since they signed the former Manchester United star.

With a lucrative move to Los Angeles Galaxy looming in the summer, it is difficult to envisage how Beckham can prolong his England career beyond the key Euro 2008 qualifier with Estonia on June 6.

However, Blackburn's David Bentley, who stands to lose most from Beckham's presence given the pair not only share the same initials but the same right-sided midfield berth, is delighted to share a dressing room with a icon of the game.

"David is a great player," said Bentley.

"He has played at the highest level, won a lot of things and I really admire him.

"What he has done for the game is brilliant. If he gets picked ahead of me that's fine.

"I am an England fan. If there is someone better than me performing to an higher level, it is great."

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