Tommy Smith's Non Selection for the NZ side

[Frosty]

Highly edited article from a NZ website, I never realised how much he was on the outer with the National side as well

Anthony Hudson may have named one of his strongest squads since taking charge of the All Whites but it is the ongoing absence of former captain Tommy Smith that continues to hover over the national team.

The All Whites have welcomed back several key players for friendlies against Mexico and the United States next month, as well as a veteran whose international career appeared to be over.

Smith, though, wasn't one of them.

After leaving the Ipswich Town defender out of his squad for the Oceania Nations Cup in May, Hudson said he would not be selecting him going forward, citing a lack of commitment to the team.

In addressing the media in Auckland on Thursday, Hudson revealed he met with Smith during a recent trip to the UK.

However, he has yet to make a decision on 26-year-old's international future.

"We've had a couple of discussions, we're going to meet again after this tour but as of now nothing's decided," Hudson said.

Hudson has discussed the issue with senior players, who he says are happy to back his judgement.

"They're happy with what I decide based on my conversations and how I see the situation," he added.

"The decision will be made upon the best interests of the team, whatever that may be."

[marko69]

I'm definitely guilty of being a Tommy Smith critic, but I genuinely don't want to see the lad on the scrap heap. He's only 26 and still plenty years left of his playing career. But I can understand the NZ decision. They put it down to commitment, (OK, fair enough)....., but I'm putting it down to just not being good enough. Still want him to carry on having a career in the game but if he carried it on elsewhere, I wouldn't be overly bothered.

[charlton837]

but in more positive news great news for Monty Patterson. Having the pleasure to know him personally im chuffed for him. He doesn't appear to be on the radar for the first team at ITFC as yet but he's got potential. I've seen him grow up since he was 13 and coming to the UK. He takes this so seriously, but what an honor to play for your country. Good experience to play with/against some top players as well

[Frosty]

yep mate, Monty looks an exciting prospect, hope he kicks on.

Quite frankly TS could have probably done with a few games for the national side to get some match time in

[hallamblue]

I thjink TS is an honest , solid CB. But he has his limitations and is probbaly a very good League One level. In the Championship , I think he has shown his limitations. He is very one footed, and one dimensional . Not meant as a criticisim in any way , just my observations of him in games. He's out now for Town , but I dont think we miss him. Others may disagree. But I wish TS well in his career. In all honesty I felt a move on in the summer would have been a benefit to his career overall.

[Frosty]

Couple of seasons back, wasn't he our player of the season?

If so, it's sorta weird he hasn't made himself one of the first names on the team sheet

[loudnproud]

MM played as a defender and in my opinion he no longer fully rates smudger....expect to see him go out on loan or sold come xmas