Tommy Smith would have been delighted had Town’s season been extended by three further games had they reached the play-offs, but the centre-half won’t be elongating his 2013/14 by playing international football with New Zealand this summer.
Smith, who has won 27 full caps and has scored two goals, is not making himself available for the All Whites’ friendly international clash with South Africa at the end of May and will instead concentrate on recharging his batteries for the 2014/15 campaign at club level.
Smith said: "I’ve ruled myself out of that one. The body has had a long season and it needs a rest. Next season it will be important to try to push on again.
"The people in New Zealand are happy with that. I think they understand the rigours, especially the interim coach, Neil Emblen. He has played in the league so he knows and he understands completely. As much as they’d like me to be there they can understand where I’m coming from.”
Thanks to international commitments, summer-long breaks have been rare in Smith’s career to date and he feels Town will reap the benefit if he gives the South Africa game a miss.
He added: "It does affect you. The body fatigues at some point and can’t just keep carrying on. I’m sure it has affected me in the past and that’s part of my reasoning behind it, wanting a proper break to make sure I come back pre-season flying again.
"Everyone knows the rigours of the Championship. There are a lot of games and we haven’t got the biggest squad in the world. But to be fair the fitness coach and the medical staff look after us really well.
"We have been doing our recovery in the cryotherapy chamber every now and again when the games have been clocking up and it has worked. I don’t think there have been many games when we’re looked tired.
"Maybe towards the end of Monday’s game [against Bournemouth] you could have said that but that’s understandable. Two games in the space of three days is hard work for anyone. We have to thank the fitness and medical staff for what they have done.”
Smith played in all three of New Zealand’s group games in the World Cup hosted by South Africa four years ago but a play-off defeat by Mexico put paid to his chances of being involved in Brazil this year.