Defender Tommy Smith says he is set to be named in New Zealand’s 30-man provisional squad for this summer’s World Cup in South Africa. All Whites coach Ricki Herbert handed Smith his debut in the recent friendly against Mexico in the US with the Town man named man of the match by the New Zealand papers.
Smith told the club site that he’s very much looking forward to representing the country where he grew up on football's biggest stage: "It's every lad's dream to play in the World Cup. I'm no different and hopefully I will make it to South Africa.
"After the game in Los Angeles, Ricki said he was pleased with me and I was in his plans. He's been very encouraging. I think I'm in the 30-man squad that will be announced shortly and then we will have to see how it goes from there.
"There's a training camp that will be based in New Zealand at the end of the season [from April 28th to May 10th in Auckland] and the final squad will be picked from there. I will obviously be out to stake my claim.
"I'm not sure when the squad gets trimmed down from 30 but I know there are a few friendlies lined up before the team goes to South Africa, so I guess it will be about that time.
"I've got to make sure I impress in those games to give me the best chance of going to the finals."
Australia, Serbia, Slovenia and Chile are New Zealand’s opponents in the friendlies before the All Whites take on Slovakia, Paraguay and Italy in the group games in South Africa.