Smith to Miss New Zealand Olympics Qualifiers - Ipswich Town News
The Olympic Games in London later this year remain a realistic target for Town defender Tommy Smith — but New Zealand will have to qualify without him.
If the Kiwis do make it to the final stages he would like nothing more than to represent his adopted country, having emigrated there at a young age.
But he explained: "Olympic qualifying is taking place in March and I won’t be able to play. The manager is not going to release me because it is not in the FIFA window and I would miss five Ipswich games.
"I’m okay with that. Ipswich pay my wages, it’s my bread and butter, so I understand that. There is a friendly [against Jamaica] next month and I could play in that one.”
Smith has won eight full caps with New Zealand with the Olympic competition featuring U23 teams. Town keeper Cody Cropper could also be involved in London 2012 with the US squad.
What to read next:
U18s at PalaceTown’s U18s face Crystal Palace at the Eagles’ training ground on Saturday afternoon (KO midday).
Ipswich Town v Sheffield United - PredictionsHave you predicted the Blades score yet? Seventy six per cent of TWTD members are predicting a Town win this evening, 14 per cent a draw and ten per cent an away win. The most commonly predicted result is a 2-1 win to Town with Hirst the first scorer but what do you think?
Akpom: Time to Kick On From NowTown forward Chuba Akpom believes the Blues’ slow start to the season is not a cause for concern ahead of Friday’s match against Sheffield United at Portman Road.
McKenna: International Break Has Been BeneficialBlues boss Kieran McKenna says the international break has been useful to help some of the recent signings settle in, however, with a number of regular starters away it wasn’t possible to do too much directly working towards Friday’s home game against Sheffield United.