Central defender Tommy Smith says he’s still got a lot of work to do if he’s to make the New Zealand squad for this summer’s World Cup. Smith, who recently committed to the country in which he grew up having previously represented England’s U17s, is one of a number of fringe players set to go out on loan with three clubs, including Plymouth, believed to be interested.
Smith, who lived in New Zealand between the ages of six and 16, told the club site: "New Zealand made contact in December but I wanted some time to talk it over with my parents and also the gaffer here.
"I feel some loyalty to New Zealand because they gave me a lot of my football education. I got into the game down there and I know [New Zealand coach] Ricki Herbert from my time there. He was my coach when I was in the national development squad for three years before I joined Ipswich.
"He asked me if I wanted to get involved with the national team and I'm happy to do that. The gaffer here said that it won't affect my chances with Ipswich and told me if I'm fully committed, then I should go for it.
"Obviously it's a great opportunity for me to play in the World Cup and not many players have that chance, but I know I've got a long way to go yet to show Ricki that I'm worth a place in his squad.
"I will also have to win over the other players. If I get picked, I will be taking someone's place so I know I've got to show them I deserve that place. Hopefully I can do that with my performances.
"We've got a friendly against Mexico in Los Angeles in March and I'm hoping to be involved and start to impress everyone from there."
Last week manager Roy Keane revealed that Smith is available for loan in order to play first team football ahead of the World Cup: "He needs games. It’s hard to get selected if you’re not playing regularly for your club.
"He could go out on loan in the next few weeks. He’s a good player. It’s only last year he had a bad injury, so he’s playing catch-up a little, but it’s nice that someone has dangled a carrot in front of him in terms that if he can play regular league football there’s no reason he can’t go to the World Cup. Hopefully he can grasp that.”
Paul Mariner’s Plymouth are believed to be one of three clubs after the 19-year-old for a temporary spell with a League One side, possibly Brentford who recently had Pim Balkestein on loan, said to be the current favourites for his signature. The Pilgrims are currently subject to a transfer embargo but it is expected to be lifted soon.
Smith previously spent time out on loan at Blue Square Premier club Stevenage during the 2007/08 season.