Wigan Athletic goal hero ready for Manchester United after Barnsley 'worldie'

Smith was only sent on with 15 minutes left at Oakwell, with Latics training to Devante Cole's tap-in at the end of the first half.

The Liverpudlian thought he'd equalised moments before his goal, when he saw a right-wing corner fly all the way in at the far post - only to be chalked off for an alleged foul on the home goalkeeper.

But Smith wasn't going to be denied with three minutes to go when, after taking a short free-kick from Jordan Jones, he unleashed a thumping drive that flew into the top corner like an Exocet missile.

"JJ said 'shoot', so I thought I might as well have a go, and it went in!" laughed Smith, who is enjoying his most consistent run of games since joining Latics from Burton Albion last summer.

"I feel like I'm starting to get more of a chance in the team, and to have moments like that is exactly why I signed for this club. Hopefully it's one of many more."

A point was the least Latics deserved after a superb display on the road, let down only by misfiring in front of goal.

"I thought the lads played brilliantly in the first half and were unlucky to go in at half-time 1-0 down," acknowledged Smith.

"Martial (Godo) was having moments, JJ was having moments, and the lads looked really good.

"We went again in the second half, the subs came on, and we managed to get a point .

"We probably deserved to get all three, but there's definitely positives to take."

That makes it four points from the last two league games, with Latics now having the small matter of an FA Cup third-round tie against one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"Everyone's excited for that game now," added Smith, a massive Liverpool supporter. "As soon as the draw was made, it was one we were looking forward to.

"It's a chance away from the league to go and express ourselves, and hopefully it's a good game."