ALAN Smith believes he is a stronger player both mentally and physically after bouncing back from his career-threatening injury and says his best years are still to come.

The 26-year-old dislocated his ankle and broke his leg during an FA Cup tie at Anfield in early 2006, but battled back to play his part in Man Utd's Premiership triumph last season.

And, having completed a move to Tyneside from Old Trafford last week, the England star says he cannot wait for the season to get started with his horror injury now all but a distant memory.

"When I looked down, the leg was lying one way and my ankle was pointing towards Hong Kong, so I knew I was in serious trouble," said the player who marked his Toon debut with the only goal against Sampdoria on Sunday.

"But the injury is done and dusted and everything is fine now.

"I played plenty of reserve-team games last season and then in the first team, and got through pre-season training with Manchester United, so I am ready and fully recovered.

"I just cannot wait for the season to start properly now.

"It has done a lot for my mental toughness, of course it has. A lot of people questioned if I would be able to come back from that injury, and I have proved that they were wrong to say that."

After signing, Smith revealed to Newcastle World TV that as soon as he had spoken to Magpies manager Sam Allardyce he was sold on a move to St.James'.

And the former Leeds forward is delighted to have joined the Big Sam revolution at Gallowgate.

"I am just glad to be playing for a manager who really wanted me," he added.

"I know what this club wants to achieve, and he wants me to be a big part of what he wants to do here.

"I am here with my best years in front of me and that is why it was a big decision.

"A lot of last season I was out with injury and I wanted to come somewhere that I could come and play the full season and now I'm raring to go."

Big Sam, Mark Viduka, Joey Barton, David Rozehnal, Geremi, Alan Smith, Claudio Cacapa and now Jose Enrique have all signed up for Newcastle United for the 2007/08 season ...

But the big question is: have YOU?

Season tickets are still available from the NUFC Box Office. Call 0191 261 1571 to order yours now.