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Smith Wins Cap as New Zealand Lose - Ipswich Town News

Town defender Tommy Smith won his ninth full New Zealand cap as the All Whites lost 3-2 to Jamaica in Auckland. The Blues centre-half went close to grabbing an injury time equaliser with a header which flew over the bar.

Smith, who is reported to have impressed against the Reggae Boyz, now faces a mammoth three-leg flight back to Suffolk in time to report for training at Playford Road on Friday morning.

With Ibrahima Sonko now fit after his dislocated rib, Blues boss Paul Jewell may take Smith’s travels into consideration when he picks his side for Saturday’s home game against Bristol City.

The Robins' on-loan West Brom striker Chris Wood, who scored one of New Zealand's goals against Jamaica, faces a similar trip.

Bristol City manager Derek McInnes also has other selection issues with midfielder Marvin Elliott (Achilles) and striker David Clarkson (ankle) sidelined for the rest of the season and midfielder Cole Skuse out due to a broken and dislocated toe.

Midfielder Kalifa Cisse and centre-halves Stephen McManus and Lewin Nyatanga are also all being assessed ahead of Saturday's match.

The only other Town player away on international duty at present is Josh Carson, who is hoping to win his third full cap when Northern Ireland take on Norway in a friendly in Belfast this evening (Sky Sports Three, 7.30pm).

Photo: Action Images

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