PAUL SMITH has praised the influence of Antti Niemi on his goalkeeping career - but admits he would look forward to the chance of facing FA Cup holders Manchester United.

The 25-year-old has won widespread plaudits having deputised for Niemi in recent weeks and has potentially given boss Harry Redknapp a selection headache.

Smith was outstanding in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal and the 1-0 beating of Tottenham, prompting praise from the likes of goalkeeping legend Peter Schmeichel.

But the 6ft 4ins former Brentford man is playing down talk of a mounting rivalry with Niemi.

He said: "We will just have to wait and see what the manager decides. All I can do is go out and give a good performance and play as well as I can when called upon.

"Antti is a top class international goalkeeper and I have benefited from working with him day in, day out.

"We will just have to wait and see what the manager's decision is.

"The FA Cup is a massive competition, but in the last few weeks we have got three massive results and we are looking forward to the FA Cup.

"If selected I would look forward to it and there is no reason why we can't get a result."

Smith also praised the guidance of Saints goalkeeping coach David Coles.

"He has just been superb to prepare us for when we get a chance, " he said.

"I was confident from the day I came to the club. David Coles always believed in me and it was unfortunate when Antti got injured.

"He is a friend of mine, but at that same time it's a chance to show what I can do."

While Niemi is still considered the club's undoubted number one, the form of Smith has certainly sparked a debate with Redknapp not needing to rush his inspirational Finn back into the team.

Coles believes the competition between Niemi and Smith will only be good for both men.

"Paul needs a run of games, but the run of games could come to an end because we've got one of the best goalkeepers in the world wanting to come back," he said.

"That's the bottom line - he is trying to replace someone who is a fantastic goalkeeper.

"Paul and all the others have grown in stature through working with Antti.

"At the same time, Antti realises he has got to be on the top of his game every day of the week and that makes him a better goalkeeper.

"It's fantastic competition. We are lucky, we've got two fantastic goalkeepers and we have got young ones coming through."

Coles added that Niemi has been unlucky to pick up another slight knee injury.

He said: "You've got to be brave and you do risk injury, he's been a bit unlucky.

"His knee will be tender until the end of the year because the surgeon has gone down the same hole to trim back the cartilage.

"But Antti is back in training, he started last week and we built him up gently and then this week he's played small-sided games."