Tommy Smith and Monty Patterson won caps as New Zealand were beaten 1-0 by Northern Ireland in this evening's friendly in Belfast. Ross County’s Liam Boyce netted the game’s only goal in the sixth minute.

Smith, 27, played the full 90 minutes and won his 32nd cap, while Patterson, 20 and yet to make his senior debut for the Blues, came on as a 63rd minute sub and picked his 10th. Former Town loanee Chris Wood skippered.

The game was part of the All Whites’ preparations for the Confederations Cup in Russia later this month.

They take on League of Ireland side Cabinteely in Dublin in another friendly on Tuesday with head coach Anthony Hudson picking his final squad for the tournament two days later.

The New Zealanders travel to Minsk to play Belarus in a final friendly on Monday 12th June.

In the Confederations Cup itself the All Whites will take on the hosts in St Petersburg in the opening group game on Saturday 17th June, Mexico in Sochi four days later and then Portugal back in St Petersburg on Saturday June 24th.

Photos: TWTD

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