Tommy Smith would have been delighted had Town’s season been extended by three further games had they reached the play-offs, but the centre-half won’t be elongating his 2013/14 by playing international football with New Zealand this summer.

Smith, who has won 27 full caps and has scored two goals, is not making himself available for the All Whites’ friendly international clash with South Africa at the end of May and will instead concentrate on recharging his batteries for the 2014/15 campaign at club level.

Smith said: “I’ve ruled myself out of that one. The body has had a long season and it needs a rest. Next season it will be important to try to push on again.

“The people in New Zealand are happy with that. I think they understand the rigours, especially the interim coach, Neil Emblen. He has played in the league so he knows and he understands completely. As much as they’d like me to be there they can understand where I’m coming from.”

Thanks to international commitments, summer-long breaks have been rare in Smith’s career to date and he feels Town will reap the benefit if he gives the South Africa game a miss.

He added: “It does affect you. The body fatigues at some point and can’t just keep carrying on. I’m sure it has affected me in the past and that’s part of my reasoning behind it, wanting a proper break to make sure I come back pre-season flying again.

“Everyone knows the rigours of the Championship. There are a lot of games and we haven’t got the biggest squad in the world. But to be fair the fitness coach and the medical staff look after us really well.

“We have been doing our recovery in the cryotherapy chamber every now and again when the games have been clocking up and it has worked. I don’t think there have been many games when we’re looked tired.

“Maybe towards the end of Monday’s game [against Bournemouth] you could have said that but that’s understandable. Two games in the space of three days is hard work for anyone. We have to thank the fitness and medical staff for what they have done.”

Smith played in all three of New Zealand’s group games in the World Cup hosted by South Africa four years ago but a play-off defeat by Mexico put paid to his chances of being involved in Brazil this year.

Photo: Action Images

Cloddyseedbed added 07:34 - Apr 29 Well done Tommy, a great season for you. I agree your body needs a rest. Start the season strong with fully recharged batteries for the promotion push next season.
8

TotalBlue added 10:09 - Apr 29 Too right Tommy your going to need the break. The 46 Wins next year will need you fit at least you have 2 easy games for 6 points against some Relegation fodder team from the other end of the A140
5

ormey75 added 12:22 - Apr 29 Bless, you go and lay on a beach somewhere for a month, playing football on a saturday afternoon for 9 months of the year and only getting 7K aweek for it must be a nightmare, you footballers have it so tuff
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SouperJim added 12:28 - Apr 29 ormey - a bit obvious, 4/10
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theblueginger added 13:24 - Apr 29 Agreed Tommy, should be made Vice Captain in the summer!
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daniel9624 added 17:02 - Apr 29 Ormey you are an idiot
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TOWNNNNNN added 17:58 - Apr 29 Ormey is probably just on the wind up, he has a point tho, I work hard 5//6/7 days a week and haven't had a proper holiday for years! And why is he missing an international game at the end of May? Strange decision considering he has another two months off??
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austractor added 23:10 - Apr 29 Good luck to you Tommy. Great pro and I hope he is with us for many more years.
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