Boss Roy Keane says defender Tommy Smith will benefit from playing for New Zealand at this summer’s World Cup in South Africa. The 20-year-old looks likely to be a starter for the All Whites on the left-side of a three-man defence.

Keane told the club site: “Tommy has squeezed into the New Zealand squad late on and he should enjoy it.

“It is good for him and it is good for Ipswich that he is there, and hopefully he’ll come back a better player for his experience.

“He still has a lot to learn, as was shown at times in his games for us last season. His positional sense needs improving and he is still a little naïve.

“There will be greater intensity than he has found before and it should make him a better player.”

Smith should win his fourth cap on Friday when New Zealand cross the border from Austria, where they are taking part in a training camp, into Slovenia for a friendly in Maribor, where former Blue Amir Karic played both before and after his ill-fated spell with Town. Ex-Slovenia international Karic and former skipper Matt Holland were the last Blues to play at a World Cup back in 2002.

After the Slovenia friendly, the All Whites have one more training game, against Chile once they have arrived in South Africa, before the tournament starts. New Zealand face Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay in the group stages.

Boss Keane will be keeping a close eye on the tournament and will be looking for possible signings, although the majority of the players on show will be beyond Town’s reach: “I’m always watching games, although the group matches don’t rock my boat. But if someone from a small nation impresses I will show some interest — why not?”

The former Ireland skipper admits he won’t be supporting England in South Africa: “To say I don’t care what happens to England is wrong. But I don’t want them to win the World Cup.”

Keane feels Fabio Capello’s side will probably get to the knockout matches where they may struggle: “England have a good record of getting beyond the first stage, but it is the crunch games that they are in danger of coming unstuck.

“They could well fall a bit short against the likes of Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Italy — and a great deal will depend on Wayne Rooney.”

Photo: Action Images

MaySixth added 09:17 - Jun 3 “I'm always watching games, although the group matches don't rock my boat. Why not Roy?
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martleshamitfc added 09:47 - Jun 3 Expect Smith to be a regular next season, unless we make a big signing, which would probably only be if McAuley leaves (hope not). Wouldn't expect Roy to support England but surprised about his comment not interested in the qualifying games as the players in the knock-out stages will be well out of our league.
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itfc1981 added 10:27 - Jun 3 Re above: dont expect Smith to be a regular next season.
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stinkiusminkius added 11:35 - Jun 3 "hopefully he'll come back a better player"- yes, having received some proper management and training. ;-)
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Suffolk_n_Good added 11:53 - Jun 3 I have some issues here Mr Keane: Firstly, because someone from a smaller nation suddenly performs well at the World Cup, it doesn't mean they will perform well in the Championship, I thought it was common practice to reaserch players before signing them? not just to randomly sign someone coz you've seen them play one good game. You told us Town fans 6 weeks ago that you had ALREADY INDENTIFIED the players you wanted, yet still we sit here repeating last season waiting for some transfer movement, letting good players leave whilst no replacements have been secured, watching other clubs signing quality players, whilst we just get "linked with" everyone & anyone! I'm sure every other Championship manager is desperate to watch the World Cup too, but take note how they are busting a gut to sign players before the World Cup, you & Clegg should be too! We all know that prices will increase after the World Cup, they always do, & if a superstar emerges from a smaller nation, we have no hope of signing them coz there will always be a bigger club able to offer them more. It's time to get real Keane & start setting your sights at realistic targets, that want to work hard for our club, (look at Blackpool) not spoilt, overpaid has beens that only want to secure a lucurtive contract, to see their days out. Finally, You may not be supporting England, & you may not think we will win the World Cup, but hey, at least we're there!!

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PaulMariner added 12:17 - Jun 3 More obvious stated followed by inane ramblings, i'm going to stop reading keane quotes its too depressing.
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Mungo added 20:28 - Jun 3 A little bit more positivity about Town's sole representative at the World Cup wouldn't hurt would it Mr Keane? Pointing out all his flaws and making it clear that the games he'll be playing in are of little interest to you hardly suggests you have a great deal of faith in young Tommy! I don't have a problem in us taking a punt on a World Cup player from a 'smaller' nation for the right price. Wigan signed Wilson Palacios for about £400k a few years ago, granted not after a World Cup, but the principal is the same and If we can sign someone half as good/successful as that for the same sort of price, I doubt anyone would object.

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jas0999 added 22:23 - Jun 3 The negative boys are out again. Some of you should consider being spin doctors - except on a negative view point. Some on here can produce negative spin on any article. True Town fans? Possibly. But perhaps they need to support another club ... for their own sanity.
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generalpublic added 02:30 - Jun 4 i always thought keane would keep quiet about the world cup after his childish and rascist outburst several years ago' while at the world cup with ireland
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corshamblue added 10:55 - Jun 4 Rock on Tommy! Good Luck, we'll be watching the Kiwi Games and supporting you all the way.
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