Pat Noonan?s opportunity seems likely to become Khano Smith?s as well.

The New England Revolution?s first-team striker?s call-up to national duty for the USA has made way for the lanky, long-striding Bermudian to start his first game tonight for his new club alongside fellow forward Taylor Twellman as the Major Soccer League?s leaders tackle the Kansas City Wizards.

The biggest hint that the former Dandy Town Hornets frontman is the player of choice to replace Noonan came at team practice earlier this week when he was grouped with the Revolution?s starters rather than the reserves as he was previously accustomed.

Smith, who has logged 71 minutes as a midfield substitute in three matches since joining the Boston outfit, has received a great vote of confidence from Twellman ahead of their first partnership, the latter saying he believes his new team-mate ?can step up easily?.

Coach Steve Nicol also gave his Island recruit the thumbs-up, declaring that Smith and other reserves were ?more than capable of doing well?.