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Chris Smalling has opened up about his derby nightmare – and is determined never to repeat the recklessness that earned him a red card in United’s defeat to City this month.

The England defender was sent off for two bookable offences in the 1-0 loss, prompting an angry Louis van Gaal to describe his actions as ‘stupid.’

Not only did his dismissal hand City a crucial advantage on the day – but with United enduring a crippling run of injuries, it left Van Gaal desperately short at the back as the central defender served a one-match suspension.

Smalling has been on England duty over the past week after being called up for the games with Slovenia and Scotland.

Roy Hodgson, who handed the 24-year-old his chance in top flight football when signing him for Fulham from non-league Maidstone United, said he would discuss the incident with him during the international break.

But Smalling insists there is no reason to be concerned about his future discipline.

“He didn’t need to say much regarding that,” he said.

“It was very out of character for me and one of those things that I just have to move on from.

“But I don’t really pick up many yellows or decisions like that so hopefully that will be one that will never happen again.”

Hodgson’s attempts to talk to Smalling came after he was so publicly criticised by Van Gaal.

And it is clear the pair still have a strong relationship dating back to their time at Fulham.

“I do respect him because he gave me my chance,” said Smalling.

“I wasn’t really anywhere and he plucked me out and gave me that chance.

“He’s always easy to talk to.”

Smalling put his derby disappointment behind him with an encouraging performance in England’s 3-1 win against Scotland on Tuesday night.

After having his season disrupted by injury and suspension, he is eager to establish himself under both Hodgson and Van Gaal.

He admits that an ever-revolving cast of central-defensive partners at United, following injuries to Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Marcos Rojo, has had an impact on his form.

“It’s not easy,” said Smalling.

“I’ve been out with a few injuries as well and a lot of the defenders have.

“It’s hard to really pick up momentum. Hopefully we can get as many bodies back, really kick on for the next game and hopefully get a good squad together.

“It’s one of those at the minute where we can’t turn a corner without picking up an injury, but a few players got through it and hopefully we will have a good team for Saturday.”

Smalling’s commanding performance at Celtic Park was reminder of the talent that convinced Sir Alex Ferguson to sign him for £10m in 2010.

He will hope to build on that now that he is ready to return to United’s first team for Saturday’s game at Arsenal.

While Van Gaal continues to face concerns over his rearguard, Smalling believes that in Wayne Rooney, he has a player who is worth a 1-0 lead the moment he walks out on to the pitch.

Rooney scored three goals in the two games against Slovenia and Scotland.

Smalling outlined his importance to England, saying: “He’s our talisman up there.

“When you’ve got him you pretty much know you are going to start the game 1-0 ahead because he’s going to get a goal.

“Throughout his career I think he’s tended to be the main man so he’s always had that pressure on his shoulders.

“I think adding the captaincy is another part of him that he’ll enjoy and he’ll take that on.

“You can see it is only making his performances even better.

“Wazza is always Wazza. He’s always the one talking, trying to keep us going.

“He’s not changed really, he’s still our leader.”