Khano Smith?s first year in Major League Soccer has ended how he would like it ? with an extended season.

The New England Revolution, who picked up the lanky Dandy Town striker on a pre-season tour of Bermuda, finished top of the Eastern Conference and go into the play-off battle tonight ? with Smith happy to be on top form.

The striker, who has scored three goals in his rookie year, has spent most of the year playing off the bench apart from a stint in the starting eleven when international commitments kept out the first-choice pair.

But with a play-off spot already in the bag, coach Steve Nicol gave Smith some significant playing time in the last two regular season fixtures, leaving the Bermudian striker a very happy man.

?I think the game against Kansas was my most complete game since I got here,? said the striker, who rates team-mate and league topscorer Taylor Twellman ?one of the best finishers I have ever seen?.

?I was involved in both goals and I just think, all round, I made my biggest contribution to the team and I was very happy with my performance.

?I also thought I played well against Chicago (final game, coming on as sub after 31 minutes). It was a pretty good display.?

With the ultra-intense, high pressure post-season starting tonight at New York/New Jersey Metrostars, Smith is expected to be back on the bench ? but he?s fine with that.

?Of course I want to play, every player does, but you can never try and predict what a coach is trying to do,? continued the striker, who is hopeful of renewing his contract and staying on with the potential MLS Cup champions next year.

?I would like to be involved from the start but you have to accept the role you are given and I will just do my best in whatever way they want to use me.?

Tonight?s game is being played at Giants Stadium with the second leg of the Eastern Conference semi-finals kicking off at the Gillette Stadium next Saturday.

Meanwhile, in England, Shaun Goater?s Southend are at home to Barnsley as they look to bounce back from last week?s defeat at Doncaster which ended their eight-match winning streak.

Goater, who was rested for the 1-0 midweek defeat to Rushden & Diamonds in the LDV Vans Trophy, is expected to be back in the side.