Boss Roy Keane says defender Tommy Smith will benefit from playing for New Zealand at this summer’s World Cup in South Africa. The 20-year-old looks likely to be a starter for the All Whites on the left-side of a three-man defence.
Keane told the club site: "Tommy has squeezed into the New Zealand squad late on and he should enjoy it.
"It is good for him and it is good for Ipswich that he is there, and hopefully he’ll come back a better player for his experience.
"He still has a lot to learn, as was shown at times in his games for us last season. His positional sense needs improving and he is still a little naïve.
"There will be greater intensity than he has found before and it should make him a better player.”
Smith should win his fourth cap on Friday when New Zealand cross the border from Austria, where they are taking part in a training camp, into Slovenia for a friendly in Maribor, where former Blue Amir Karic played both before and after his ill-fated spell with Town. Ex-Slovenia international Karic and former skipper Matt Holland were the last Blues to play at a World Cup back in 2002.
After the Slovenia friendly, the All Whites have one more training game, against Chile once they have arrived in South Africa, before the tournament starts. New Zealand face Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay in the group stages.
Boss Keane will be keeping a close eye on the tournament and will be looking for possible signings, although the majority of the players on show will be beyond Town’s reach: "I’m always watching games, although the group matches don’t rock my boat. But if someone from a small nation impresses I will show some interest — why not?”
The former Ireland skipper admits he won’t be supporting England in South Africa: "To say I don’t care what happens to England is wrong. But I don’t want them to win the World Cup.”
Keane feels Fabio Capello’s side will probably get to the knockout matches where they may struggle: "England have a good record of getting beyond the first stage, but it is the crunch games that they are in danger of coming unstuck.
"They could well fall a bit short against the likes of Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Italy — and a great deal will depend on Wayne Rooney.”