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Smith's Decision to Opt Out of Japan Friendly
Wednesday, 12th Feb 2014 09:40

New Zealand caretaker-manager Neil Emblen has revealed that Town defender Tommy Smith asked not to be included in the All Whites squad for their friendly in Japan on March 5th. The 23-year-old opted to remain at home to concentrate on the Blues’ play-off push.

It’s not the first club-versus-country situation Smith has faced this season. In November the All Whites vice-captain reportedly threatened to quit international football after New Zealand Football set a deadline for him to report for their World Cup play-off against Mexico which meant he had to miss Town’s game at Blackpool.

Some sections of the New Zealand press are questioning Smith’s commitment to the All Whites in the wake of his opt-out, however, Emblen says he can understand Smith’s position, but warns him that other players could win his place in the team in his absence: "I'm sympathetic to Tommy's situation.

“His club agreed to release him but Tommy feels this is an opportunity to prioritise his club who are fighting for promotion for the first time in a while.

"You either want to play and make the effort to come back like all the other boys or you run the risk of someone else playing well."

The defender wouldn't have missed a Town game if he had gone away with the All Whites but would have faced travelling some distance between the Birmingham game on March 1st and the match at Middlesbrough the following Saturday.

Smith, who was born in the UK but grew up in New Zealand, has won 27 full caps, scoring two goals.


Photo: Action Images



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TractorCam added 09:46 - Feb 12
That's great news, well done Tommy!
6

BondiBlue added 09:51 - Feb 12
good on you tommy
6

Michael11 added 10:12 - Feb 12
Well done Tommy. With such a small squad we need everyone fit and available. I think he also knew that it was a chance for Chambers/Berra to forge a relationship while he was away and didn't want to risk losing his place.
5

hodgie1989 added 10:21 - Feb 12
He is not going to lose his place. The only well known defender in that team is Winston Reid who I assume he plays with at CB so there is no need for him to worry.
2

Cheshire_Blue added 10:45 - Feb 12
I am sure NZ have a succession of top class defenders waiting to replace Tommy!!!
1

ericclacton added 11:01 - Feb 12
Tommy Smith can head the ball for miles.
1

KiwiBlue2 added 11:01 - Feb 12
As a New Zealander and long time Ipswich supporter (1975) I agree entirely with Tommy's decision. The game has nothing riding on it and while I would like to see NZ do well Tommy's priority on this occasion should be Ipswich. In my opinion he has no serious competition for his left CB position in the All Whites and I am disappointed that Emblen did not accept Tommy's decision a little more graciously.........
9

Alwaysablue added 11:10 - Feb 12
The manager sounds a tad bitter about the whole situation, it's only a friendly!
3

KiwiBlue2 added 11:12 - Feb 12
Winston Reid plays at right back on the odd occasion that he plays for the All Whites ........we missed him against Mexico but doubt that he would have made much difference. Our problem in the Mexico games was the new and very inexperienced midfield and injuries to some key players any way hopefully we can make it in 2018........ preferably with Tommy.........
3

ArnieM added 12:23 - Feb 12
Tommy may not lose his NZ place but I suspect he wojld lose his Town one to Chambers if he went off on a pointless friendly, and TS reslises this I think. Good to see you stay Tommy.
5

bluemikey100 added 12:31 - Feb 12
good decision only a friendly and we goin for playoff place and cud lose his position in town defence no brainer really town his bread n butter
0

big_gaz67 added 12:33 - Feb 12
Hope Club Captain Carlos Edwards reads this after deciding to prioritise a jaunt (almost typed joint there!) to the Caribbean last year ahead of a vital relegation fight (and that after the club stood by him embarrassing all by lying to the Police when he committed his driving offences....)
2

TimmyH added 12:40 - Feb 12
Love Smithy! - one of the most consistent performers this season - again!
6

BlueVelvet added 12:47 - Feb 12
Japan's nice in Spring, cherry blossom and all that, but can understand why Tommy rather stay at home - long way to go for 90 mins of football - Plymouth was always a killer for travelling fans
1

coolcat added 13:11 - Feb 12
Good news. Committed and focused player. Got his priorities right.
2

LiamCP123 added 14:27 - Feb 12
Tommy's a true blue.
2

LiamCP123 added 14:27 - Feb 12
Tommy's a true blue.
0

irishtim added 16:29 - Feb 12
Good man. Correct decision. Chance to help your club to playoffs or friendly with japan!!!. Spot on Tommy Boy.
1

coyb99 added 17:09 - Feb 12
Committed club man. Great to see him aspiring to take us to the play offs.
1

blueboy1981 added 17:38 - Feb 12
Nice one Tommy - no more than we would have expected from you - a true blue in the 'true' sense.
1

KiwiTractor added 20:16 - Feb 12
Ditto what KiwiBlue2 said.

This is the right decision for Tommy and Ipswich, and this is where he earns his crust.

The NZ press are trying to compare him to Chris Woods of Leicester who is going to travel for the All Whites match - the difference is Woods is picking up splinters on the Leicester bench whilst Tommy puts in 90+ mins week in week out.

0

KiwiBlue3 added 10:44 - Feb 13
This is what the biggest newspaper in NZ had to say.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/soccer-football/news/article.cfm?c_id=86&objectid=1120
0


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