Khano Smith shrugged off his dissapointment at not facing David Beckham and declared catching up with the Bermuda Hogges during their end of season sojourn to the US more than compensated.

Lifelong Manchester United fan Smith was deprived of playing against the former Red Devil who pulled out of LA Galaxy's 1-0 defeat to New England Revolution at the Gillette Stadium, still recovering from a sprained ankle.

The much-anticpated clash saw a regular season record 32,000 tickets sold with Beckham-mania going into overdrive, and Smith admitted he had hoped to swap shirts with the England international after the game.

But the 25-year-old speed-merchant said the precious victory, courtesy of a Taylor Twellman strike, more than made up for missing out on pitting his wits against "Golden Balls" who made his long-awaited Galaxy debut against DC United last week.

"As a Manchester United fan it would have been nice to play against Beckham but I don't overly care. The result is far more important - that's all I care about," he said.

"We needed a victory and I was pleased with my own performance and put in a few good crosses - it was a satisfying night for the Revs. It was a great atmosphere and was the biggest crowd I have ever played in front of so it will be memorable from that point of view."

Warwick-born Smith said Beckham's dramatic MLS unveiling had created much hype but was unsure whether it would remain in the long-run.

"I suppose a lot will depend on how well he plays and whether these new supporters become attached to the game - I certainly hope they do. The more quality players who come to the league the better. Guys like Beckham and Juan Pablo Angel are still young and have not come just for the pay cheque."

The former Dandy Town striker took advantage of the Hogges' recent road trip the US to catch up with his compatriats ¿ many of who are international team-mates.

He took in their victory over New Hampshire Phantoms and defeat to Western Mass Pioneers and said he was "proud and impressed" with the Island's fledging pro-outfit.

"It was great catching up with the Hogges - many of the guys are very good friends of mine. I know they have been improving as the season has gone on and I could definitely see they have developed a professional attitude.

"Although they have finished below where they would have liked in the table, I believe next year will be a big one for them and I can see them really establishing themselves.

"The Bermuda Hogges will prove to be a great thing for Bermudian football and I hope everybody is getting behind them. I think they will have a postive impact on the national team as the teams they are facing in the USL-D2 will be better than most of the countries we will face in our World Cup qualifiers."

During their mini-tour of Massachusetts and North Carolina, the Hogges showed their support of Smith by taking a trip to the Gillette Stadium for Revs' defeat to DC United. Many of the Hogges players could be seen sporting Smith's number 18 shirt jersey during the latter stages of their four-game tour.