New England Revolution coach Steve Nicol is full of praise for his newest signing ? and Khano Smith is loving every minute of his new life as a professional footballer.

The former Dandy Town Hornets striker had the ?pleasant surprise? of a substitute appearance during the Revs 2-0 defeat of the Chicago Fire last Saturday before taking centre stage in the reserves, bagging the game?s only goal in a strong performance.

And Nicol, although admitting Smith is far from his first-choice striker, is pleased with the way the lanky Bermudian is fitting in.

?He did well,? said the former Liverpool legend whose side sit atop the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference standings.

?He showed all the things that first attracted us to him. In the reserve game he certainly played his part, he caused a lot of problems for the defence and took his goal very well.

?When he joined us for the Ecuador trip, he fitted in very well with the side in training and he has continued that since arriving from Bermuda.

?He is working hard and just has to keep showing us what he?s got and making the most of his chances when they come.?

Smith is stuck behind US internationals Taylor Twellman and Pat Noonan in Nicol?s pecking order but with a busy summer of World Cup qualifiers for the national team ahead, he should get plenty of opportunities.

?I would be lying if I said he was part of my first-choice strike pairing,? continued Nicol, whose side take on the reigning MLS champions DC United at home on Saturday.

?But I don?t like to pigeon-hole players and if Khano keeps doing what he is doing, he is going to get chances.

?He just has to stay fit and make sure he makes the most of his opportunities when they come along.

?It?s a long season and a lot can happen, especially with the international programme, so he just has to hang in there.

?We are expecting big things of him.?

Smith?s 74th minute strike in the reserve victory over the Fire on Sunday was the perfect example of how to ?hang in there?.

The powerful forward was a handful for the Chicago defence all game and slotted home with his left foot for the winner in a one-on-one after making the most of a defensive error.

?It felt good to score the goal and get that out of the way,? the former Dellwood Middle School teacher said afterwards.

?The first goal is always the hardest one to get.

?And I must admit I was surprised to play on Saturday in the first team. I didn?t expect to get in to a first team match so soon. It was a pleasant surprise.?