Hudson rules Smith out after building bridge

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.

But there are indications he may be softening his stance.

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

However, he has yet to make a decision on the 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 upon my conversations and how I see the situation,’’ he said.

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

For now, Hudson is keen to focus on the players he does have and there are plenty of positives for the All Whites boss.

Skipper Winston Reid, Ryan Thomas, Deklan Wynne, Henry Cameron and Clayton Lewis were all absent from the squad that won the Oceania Nations Cup in June, but have been included in the group that was named yesterday. Although, Thomas and Wynne are one of several players who could yet miss out due to injury.

Reid missed the Oceania Nations Cup as he recovered from injury and Hudson said the West Ham defender was excited to be back leading the side.

‘‘Even when he’s not been here he’s always on the phone, he’s in touch with me.

‘‘To meet him and speak to him when I’m over there (England) you can see how much he cares about the national team and he wants to do well.’’

Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante has also been named, despite standing down from international duty in September last year.

The All Whites play Mexico in Tennessee on October 8 and the United States in Washington, DC on October 11, which serve as a crucial part of their preparation for the World Cup qualifiers in November.

Striker Shane Smeltz and goalkeeper Glen Moss are the two most notable absentees, with Smeltz unavailable for game against the United States.