Fully integrated back into the Bolton second team after a loan spell, American forward Johann is determined to find a way into coach Gary Megson's plans during the second half of the season.

With strike ace Nicolas Anelka apparently headed for the Reebok Stadium exit door and El Hadji Diouf off to the African Cup of Nations for as much as five weeks, the US Under-23 international believes he might just have an inroad to a first team shot soon.

"Since I've come back from Darlington, I've done well in training and reserve games, so that's always a plus," Smith told American Soccer Daily. "As far as getting back into the squad on match days, that's up to the gaffer. Hopefully, he will give me a chance."

"If attacking players decide to leave the in the transfer window, that's always going to boost my chances of being more involved in the first team. Maybe then the manager will give some of the other players, including me, a chance."

First though, Smith is busy in Florida trying to prepare for March's Olympic qualifying tourney with Piotr Nowak's U-23 squad. With two coaches to charm in 2008, the speedster is happy to report that summer injury woes are long since a thing of the past.

"I feel confident and fit," he said before leaving to join his youth international teammates. "I have being playing a lot of football and doing a lot of fitness work. I have been doing well in reserve games, so I feel good about this camp."

ASD's Jason Endres also contributed to this report