Smith to Join Olympics Squad on Monday
Sunday, 15th Jul 2012 12:40

Town defender Tommy Smith will meet up with the New Zealand Olympic squad in London on Monday having missed friendlies against Japan and South Korea this week due to a hamstring injury.

The Oly Whites, New Zealand's U23 side plus three overage players, lost 2-1 to South Korea’s U23s in Seoul on Saturday night, having drawn 1-1 in Japan on Wednesday.

Smith, 22, could be involved in their final pre-Olympics friendly against the UAE in Austria on Friday with the rest of the squad flying in to London on Monday.

New Zealand’s 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.

Photo: Action Images

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MathieandMarshall added 13:37 - Jul 15 While its great for tommy to be involved in the Olympics it is a bit of a blow that town will miss out on the chance for him and chambers to play a few games together and develop an understanding as I guess as things stand those two would be the starters against Blackburn. Still, great opportunity for the lad!
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oscarwhiting added 14:15 - Jul 15 i agree we dont want any sort of repeat of keans first season were it happend to the hole team.
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alfromcol added 14:44 - Jul 15 hamstring injury - doesn't sound too good!
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RetroBlue added 16:15 - Jul 15

I think its barking mad that TS is now off to these Olympics.

ITFC pay his wages , and he will have had little summer break by the time the season starts, and now he has a hamstring injury, which usually takes a minimum of 4-6 weeks to rehab.

He'll only have himself to blame if he losses his Town 1st team place to Delaney because he's trying to recover from injury and fatigue

BlueBadger added 16:51 - Jul 15 And once again, Clegg causes ITFC problems due to his focus on the lympics.
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Tractorboy24 added 16:57 - Jul 15 Funny how other countries haven't followed the example of England, by not including players which have played at the regions championship. Typically going against us, as playing 2 international tournaments will have a major effect on smith as the season wears on.
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AbujaBlue added 16:59 - Jul 15 What? How does Smith being in the NZ team have anything to do with Clegg? The universe doesn't revolve around him. Back on topic: At least TS isn't jetting half way around the world for this; it will be good experience for him, especially the Brazil game so let him have his fun.
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MattinLondon added 22:03 - Jul 15 I think it is a great honour for any player to play for their country. Tommy will play against players that in a couple years time may well be full internationals. A great experience for him especially against Brazil. Hopefully playing at Old Trafford will inspire him further to want to get Town in the top flight
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distractored added 22:56 - Jul 15 @retroblue The NZ manager, Ricky Herbert, previously made it quite clear to Town management that he would if necessary invoke whatever clause it is that compels clubs to release players for competetive internationals. Town released Smith without him having to resort to that however.
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DiamondGezzer added 06:34 - Jul 16 Fill your boots Tommy !
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pinablue added 09:28 - Jul 16 enjoy Tommy, don't let the complainers spoil the experience.
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scooterblue added 09:53 - Jul 16 Good luck Tommy. Hope you meet GB in the final.
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MaySixth added 09:57 - Jul 16 Mexico or Spain will win gold. Brazil will lose in the semis and their manager, also in charge of the senior side, will be sacked.
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JewellintheTown added 10:32 - Jul 16

Good on ya Tommy.

Cant get much better experience and a warm up for the coming season than representing your country @ the olympics (OK, maybe world cup, euro's etc but you get the idea). Besides, he's young and fit enough and lets not knock the lad when he's on a high. Give him credit for his hard work and be happy for him - miserable beggars. Call yourself fans?

amydownes added 12:37 - Jul 16 Totally agree with JewellintheTown and several others, great experience for Tommy and, after a few less than confident defensive performances from our side last season, surely any extra experience he can get is a good thing. Looking forward to travelling to the Ricoh to support our boy next week!
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JewellintheTown added 14:36 - Jul 16 @amydownes. Cheers. If you put on your blues shirt I'll watch you as I'll be there too! Oh wait, they'll probably make you cover over the advertising though.
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