ALAN Smith believes his renewed partnership with Mark Viduka can carry Leeds United to Premiership safety.

And he had words of praise too for fellow home-grown hero James Milner after all three were on target in last night's vital 4-1 triumph over relegation rivals Wolves at Elland Road last night.

The win lifted Leeds off the foot of the table on goal difference as they changed places with Wolves, and Smith said: "If we play like that until the end of the season we won't do too badly.

"Mark Viduka and I haven't played together too many times this season but when we do we always cause problems for the opposition. They said to us in the dressing room: 'if anybody is going to keep us up, you two are'.

"Some players have been playing out of position to help the team, but they are now back in their best positions and it shows.

"Until last week I hadn't played up front since November 29. I love playing there but I've played a lot in midfield.

"Hopefully 'Vidukes' and I can help to keep us in the Premiership. I really enjoyed playing up front."

Leeds-born James Milner was outstanding last night and Smith says the teenager will have a difficult decision to make about his future if Leeds are relegated.

Smith said: "James was brilliant. Unlike myself he has come into a team that is struggling and he must have wondered what was happening. I got into a Leeds side that was doing really well.

"James just has to keep listening to people and working hard. He certainly has the right mentality, but he has a big decision to make if Leeds go down - he won't know whether to stick or twist.

"He is a Leeds lad and likes playing for this football club. He is a natural winger. I don't really know where he will end up playing but he is real quality."

United midfielder Eirik Bakke has pulled out of Norway's squad for next Wednesday's match against Northern Ireland in Belfast after aggravating a calf strain last night.

Updated: 10:53 Wednesday, February 11, 2004