Smith Now Targeting First-Team Return - Ipswich Town News
Central defender Tommy Smith says he came through last night’s 8-0 U23s victory over Watford at Portman Road with no significant ill effects and is now targeting a return to the first-team squad.
New Zealand international Smith, 26, who underwent back surgery in September, played the full 90 minutes as Gerard Nash's side thrashed the Hornets.
”I've been looking forward to it for the past couple of weeks now and we had this date pencilled in so it's nice to get it over and done with, with a good win," Smith told the club site.
"I'm not too tired, my back is a little bit stiff but that's to be expected after being out for such a long time. But my general fitness is alright.
"I can't say I had the most difficult game because there was nobody out there that performed badly so it's good to see.
"I just need to build up that match fitness now, after nearly five months of not playing at all it's going to take a couple of games before I'm 100 per cent sharp but hopefully now I've come through this game I can get back to being involved in the first-team squad."
What to read next:
McKenna: A Tough Game, an Increase in ChallengeManager Kieran McKenna felt today’s 3-0 victory away against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre was a tough game and an increase in challenge in the final fixture of pre-season and has been pleased with the way preparations for the campaign ahead have gone over the last few weeks.
McKenna: Townsend and Philogene Injuries Don't Look GreatBlues boss Kieran McKenna says the injuries suffered by Conor Townsend and Jaden Philogene don’t look great, while Leif Davis missed out due to a knock and Harry Clarke could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but keeper Aro Muric is making good progress.
McKenna Tight-Lipped on Hackney and CajusteTown boss Kieran McKenna remained tight-lipped when quizzed on the Blues’ approach for last season’s loanee Jens Cajuste and also Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney’s decision to remain with the Teessiders.
AJ Auxerre 0-3 Ipswich Town - Match ReportGoals from George Hirst, Jacob Greaves and Ali Al-Hamadi saw Town to a 3-0 victory over French Ligue 1 side Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps. Hirst put the Blues in front on 38 and Greaves added the second with a header from a free-kick in first-half injury time, before Al-Hamadi added the third with five minutes remaining of the match.
AJ Auxerre 0-2 Ipswich Town - Half-TimeGoals from George Hirst and Jacob Greaves have given Town a 2-0 half-time lead against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps.