Tommy Smith played the full 90 minutes as New Zealand beat Tahiti 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Christchurch this morning.

Michael McGlinchey put the All Whites ahead in the third minute, Chris Killen added one right on time and McGlinchey netted his second of the game in injury time of a second half which had been delayed by floodlight failure.

The Blues centre-half, who handed the captain’s armband back to regular skipper Ryan Nelsen after his return from injury, was winning his 20th full cap.

New Zealand have won all four of their qualifying games and seem certain to win the group and a place in an intercontinental play-off with a CONCACAF nation for a place at Brazil 2014.

Smith tweeted his delight with the victory: "Another three points in the bag, four from four. An absolute peach from Mikey [McGlinchey] to top it off! Well done lads."

Town midfielder Josh Carson is with the Northern Ireland squad which takes on Portugal in Porto this evening (Sky Sports One, 8.30pm). The 19-year-old will be hoping to win his fifth full cap.

Photo: Action Images

bobble added 11:11 - Oct 16 my budgie the dog and the 3 kids could beat tahiti 3-0
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wideblue added 12:40 - Oct 16 At least one of the squad knows what it feels like to win!
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