MANCHESTER, May 10 (SW) - Man.Utd. midfielder Alan Smith could be back in action as early as September, according to boss Alex Ferguson. Smith suffered a horrific injury back in February of this year at Anfield as Liverpool knocked United out of the FA Cup 1-0.

Smith had stretched to block a free kick by Liverpool’s John Arne Riise and after an awkward impact, suffered a broken leg and dislocated ankle. But the gutsy mid-fielder is made of stern stuff according to his boss.

"He’s got an amazing philosophy and approach to his recovery. It doesn’t bother him at all. There is no mental block there at all. He will be back all right." said Ferguson in an interview on Manchester United radio today.

The 26-year-old, signed from Leeds United in May 2004 for £6 million, finally got off his crutches and out of the plaster cast last week, and even managed a little light jogging at United’s training ground.

"Alan may be a bit late for the start of the season, I would think he will be back towards the beginning of September." added Sir Alex.

"He’s still got a bit of a limp. But he was out on the training ground last week walking around and went for a little jog."