Town defender Tommy Smith has been named in the New Zealand squad for this summer’s Olympics. The Oly Whites, as the U23 side plus three overage players is known, play Belarus, Egypt and Brazil at London 2012.
Prior to the tournament they face friendlies against Japan’s U23s (Tokyo, July 11th), South Korea’s U23s (Seoul, July 14th) and the UAE’s U23s (TBC, July 19th).
Their Olympics schedule sees them play Belarus at Coventry's Ricoh Arena on July 26th, Egypt at Old Trafford three days later and Brazil at St James' Park, Newcastle on August 1st.
Smith’s involvement in the Olympics means he will miss virtually all Town’s pre-season programme, which begins on July 5th.
Also involved in the Olympics will be former loanee Giovani Dos Santos, who is being linked with a summer move from Spurs to Atletico Madrid. Mexico's U23s face South Korea, Gabon and Switzerland at London 2012.
Elsewhere, Hull City have been linked with released Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan, who is understood to be one of Paul Jewell’s alternative summer signings now that number one target Tomasz Kuszczak has joined Brighton.
However, the US international, who is currently back in the States, is not believed to be viewed as Jewell’s definite second choice, more one of a number of names on a long list of potential alternatives to the former Manchester United man. Guzan, 27, spent time on loan with the Tigers last season.
In addition to their interest in Kuszczak and links with Guzan which go back to March, the Blues sounded out former Peterborough keeper Joe Lewis prior to his move to Cardiff, while QPR’s Paddy Kenny has also been mentioned in connection with Town, however, is expected to be reunited with Neil Warnock at Leeds United.
Watford’s Scott Loach, Manchester United youngster Ben Amos and Birmingham’s Colin Doyle, who was recently offered new terms by the Midlanders, have all also been linked.
Oly Whites: Jake Gleeson, Michael O'Keeffe, Ian Hogg, Tim Myers, Tommy Smith, Ryan Nelsen*, Adam Thomas, James Musa, Tim Payne, Michael McGlinchey*, Alex Feneridis, Cameron Howieson, Adam McGeorge, Kosta Barbarouses, Shane Smeltz*, Chris Wood, Marco Rojas, Dakota Lucas. Standby: Michael Eagar, Cameron Lindsay, Luke Rowe, Scott Basalaj. *indicates one of the three permitted overage players.