New Zealand skipper Ryan Nelsen says he always knew Town defender Tommy Smith had the skills required to be a captain. Smith stood in for the Tottenham centre-half during the All Whites’ friendlies in the US last week and could be formally named Nelsen’s vice-captain and likely successor by coach Ricki Herbert this week.

Nelsen says he’s pleased for the 22-year-old, who became New Zealand’s youngest-ever skipper when he took the armband for the 2-2 draw with El Salvador and then the 1-0 victory over Honduras: "You could always tell that Tommy would have leadership qualities; he's a sensible guy, he's got a good presence about him and everything about him steers toward being a captain.

"At such a young age to be captain, it will be a great experience for him, and it's such a fantastic honour as well. I'm really happy for him, because he's a lovely guy.

"Some people become better players when they become captain, and I think he'll take that extra responsibility and love it."

Nelsen, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, says Smith can be a role model for other younger players coming into the All Whites side: "The New Zealand team doesn't really have very many players at the age of 26-to-29 at the moment; it's the young guys and then old guys.

“Hopefully, all those young players can learn from Tommy. He's a very good professional and he's far more sensible than I am."

Smith and the rest of the New Zealand squad, minus Nelsen, will arrive in the Solomon Islands for the Oceania Nations Cup on Wednesday where they take on Fiji (June 2nd), Papua New Guinea (June 4th) and the hosts (June 6th) with all the matches played in the capital Honiara.

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

TractorBoy666 added 18:42 - May 29 He should be our captain then.
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ITFCforlife added 18:47 - May 29 future captain here too?
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DanLyles added 19:13 - May 29 Nelsen is on a free transfer, he clearly admires Smith, would be very solid at this level together imo
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harlingblue added 19:57 - May 29 Nelson could do a great job for us?, now available and used to playing with Smith as a partner...surely worth a punt?...please!
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KiwiBlue2 added 22:55 - May 29 Yes Dan I agree. Getting Ryan would be a good move for the next couple of years. He could certainly do a job for Town. HIm and another cb around mid 20s would be good.
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im_marcacus added 09:00 - May 30 Let's build him a vice sized column next to Captain Nelsons
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brian_a_mul added 09:14 - May 30 Well done again Tommy. I cant wait to see Tommy in action in August for us. He will be full of confidence and be fully match fit from the first wistle. Such a turn around for him from this time last season!! He is fast becoming a very important first team member. Note: Nelson would be on a big wage and would have many suitors in PL I think. Can still hope :)
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hollywoodginge added 09:51 - May 30 Tommy will be our skipper one day, iv said it from day one.
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cornishnick added 10:21 - May 30 Hasn't he just signed a new contract though? To be captain at Ipswich, don't you have to be coming to the end of a contract and refusing to sign a new one (Walters, Norris, Leadbitter etc)?
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brian_a_mul added 15:08 - May 30 Thats true cornish!! Dont forget McAuley. But in fairness Walters was treated like dirt by RK towards the end and the club got an excellent price for him. Actually so was AcAuley!
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h32 added 22:42 - May 30 Nice one Tommy - one in the eye for your critics - Nelson is no bad judge of a player.
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