Centre-half Tommy Smith has been named in the New Zealand squad for two World Cup qualifiers against Tahiti during the international break which follows Saturday’s home game against Cardiff City.

The All Whites will take on Oceania Nations Cup winners in Papeete on Friday 12th October and then the same opposition at home in Christchurch on Tuesday 16th October.

Midfielder Josh Carson is on standby for Northern Ireland ahead of their World Cup group match in Portugal on the Tuesday.

Photo: Action Images

Michael11 added 11:20 - Oct 3 This can't be helping his progress with us at all, jetting off the other side of the world every couple of months coming back tired on weekends.
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pazelle added 12:08 - Oct 3 Good luck Tommy! I hear Tahiti is nice this time of year!
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brian_a_mul added 12:14 - Oct 3 Its tough on him but he thinks he can do it. I just hope it doesnt stall his development at Ipswich. If he is unable to give 100% in training due to fatigue it could scupper his development. However International exp is incredible especially for young defenders so lets hope he learns and can pass the experience to Town.
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alfromcol added 13:50 - Oct 3 This won't do his progress with itfc any good at all. Thousands of miles covered for what are tin-pot games against poor opposition.
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warbeat78 added 16:01 - Oct 3 Alfromcol That's abit harsh, he probaly wont have payed a full game before he leaves for inter duty and wont get a start when back and the opposition will match championship level and surpass it so this can only be good for him and itfc. Its all part of the professional game
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TimmyH added 19:32 - Oct 3 Good the air miles he must be clocking up - no wonder he hasn't played very well this season.
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Talbs77 added 19:34 - Oct 3 I think this is really damaging Smiths progress, its just not great jetting off thousands of miles accross the world for sub standard football, would be different if he was playing for Brazil or somthing!
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warbeat78 added 20:12 - Oct 3 Itfc can't see this as a problem or they surely wouldn't sanction it ,after all, he's their investment
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clivardo added 10:22 - Oct 4 Please to see Tommy playing against the level of oppositioin he should be - Sunday league micky mouse teams! He might have a decent game for a change! As long as this gives him jetlag/fatigue and he isn't able to turn out in a Town shirt for a few weeks will suit ITFC perfect! Forget PJ out, this donut at CB has been the fall of the club! His touch is more deadly than a convicts!

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allwhites5 added 10:42 - Oct 4 Clivardo! Thats a bit harsh!
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michael99 added 18:30 - Oct 4 Clivardo,totally agree!he is as weak as a kitten and has zero pace,is no more than a squad player and league 1 standard at best,as for playing for n/z everybody knows that international qualifing is a very poor standard.harsh but true,is it a coincidence that we are now looking pretty solid since higgy came in?
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