Blues defender Tommy Smith says he and his New Zealand team-mates will be out to "exorcise the demons" when they take on New Caledonia in Noumea in a World Cup qualifier on Friday, the Pacific Islanders having beaten the All Whites 2-0 in an Oceania Nations Cup semi-final earlier in the summer. Also in international action on Friday will be Josh Carson with Northern Ireland and Gunnar Thorsteinsson with Iceland’s U19s.

Smith captained New Zealand in that defeat to New Caledonia and says it continues to rankle: "I don't think we will ever forget about it. It hurt and it's still there.

“We've got to go out and exorcise the demons from that day and there's no better way to start than against the team that knocked us out."

He says he can learn from team-mates Ryan Nelsen who is back as skipper with Smith the vice-captain, and West Ham’s Winston Reid, who has returned after missing the summer matches through injury: "They are playing at a higher level than I am, so I can learn things from them that can improve me as a player."

Smith says he’d love to join Nelsen and Reid in the top flight: "First and foremost, I want to try to keep my place in the Ipswich side.

“This is my seventh year there and my main goal is to help the club get better. If I can get into the Premier League with Ipswich Town that would be brilliant. They gave me my first contract in professional football."

The 22-year-old, who will be winning his 17th full cap, says he enjoyed his spell as captain in Nelsen’s absence and looks up to the QPR man: "Some people don't like the added pressure but I think I thrived on it.

“And now, there's no better player to learn off than Ryan. He's very approachable, if I have anything I need to ask him, he's always happy to talk. Even when I'm at home in England I can give him a call and he's there to talk to me."

Carson’s Northern Ireland are in action in Russia in a World Cup qualifier in the afternoon (Sky Sports One 3.45pm). If he’s involved, the Blues midfielder will win his fifth full cap.

Academy second-year scholar Thorsteinsson and the Icelandic youngsters take on Estonia in the first of two friendlies with the second on Sunday.

Photo: Action Images

daniel9624 added 23:40 - Sep 6 Perhaps we should make him skipper lol
0

runningout added 01:09 - Sep 7 Smith should have learnt how to defend by now... needs to switch on and read a game a whole lot better.....
0

BlueBoots added 06:32 - Sep 7 A New Zealand exorcism, eh? I suppose that goes..."The power of Christchurch compels you, the power of Christchurch compels you..."
0

Dissboyitfc added 07:17 - Sep 7 He had some good games in the latter half of last season, i feel he needs a rest and talking with Ryan will clearly help him but a rest would sharpen him up IMO. I like the guy, Sounds loyal enough and of course is now our longest serving player, but just wish he could cut out those errors which are potentially costing us. Good luck today tommy.
0

Radlett_blue added 07:43 - Sep 7 Playing in the last World Cup finals gave his career a huge boost, but regularly travelling round the world to play fairly poor opposition will damage his club career in the long term. He is also a fairly dubious Kiwi, qualifying only on past residency.
0

newtownfan13 added 09:05 - Sep 7 good luck to both our guys playing in their international games, what an honour guys to be chosen to play for your country........................come back safe and injury free.
0

Blogs 298 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls