Tommy Smith’s New Zealand confirmed their qualification for this summer’s Olympics in London by beating Fiji 1-0 in Taupo overnight. The Blues refused permission for Smith to play for the U23 side during the qualifiers due to the centre-half’s domestic commitments.

The 21-year-old recently said that he’s looking forward to taking part in this summer's Games: “It’s such a massive sporting event and having played in the World Cup already, to add the Olympics to my cv would be another great achievement for me.”

Smith tweeted his congratulations to his team-mates: “Well done boys! London2012 here we come!”

The New Zealand Olympic team is known as the Oly Whites and their squad is expected to be ratified as soon as this week.

Town keeper Cody Cropper, who played his first game since December as Town’s U18s beat Birmingham 3-1 on Saturday having undergone knee surgery, could also be involved in the tournament, which is played at U23 level plus three overage players.

The US, who lost 2-0 to Canada overnight, need to beat El Salvador on Monday to reach the semi-finals of the CONCACAF qualification section.

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

s6blue added 12:40 - Mar 25 well done tommy
0

BlueITFC added 13:05 - Mar 25 well done tommy, good luck:)
0

bontcho added 13:18 - Mar 25 Don't think it clashes with the season, but could be wrong. Good luck Tommy, hope you get that contract soon too.
0

irishtim added 15:40 - Mar 25 Give him a contract. He will get better & in time maybe a ipswich ledgend.
0

EatonBlue added 16:37 - Mar 25 Tommy Smith Olympic Games playerrrr
0

Crock added 17:04 - Mar 25 To those who are saying 'Well done Tommy' you do know that he had nothing at all to do with New Zealand qualifying?
0

tellitasiseeit added 23:33 - Mar 25 Let's hope Cody Cropper can also play in the Olympics that would be something to have at least two of our player's representing their country's.
0

Flip added 18:15 - Mar 26 Cropper & Smith might not be the only ones I hope, name a better British left back than Cresswell under the age of 23...I'm sure Wickham could be there too
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls