Smith set for All Whites return against Fiji
AUCKLAND: Kiwi defender Tommy Smith is in line to make his first All Whites appearance since 2014 after being named in coach Anthony Hudson’s squad for homeandaway World Cup qualifiers against Fiji.
The Ipswich Town defender, a former international captain and 2010 World Cup stalwart, was ushered back into the Kiwi fold in October by Hudson.
He had previously been frozen out of the squad due to a perceived lack of communication and commitment to the All Whites’ cause.
But a back injury forced him to skip the side’s November qualifiers against New Caledonia, from which the All Whites secured a win and a draw.
The 26yearold will be expected to slot into the All Whites’ defence alongside West Ham stopper and Kiwi captain Winston Reid.
Hudson has named a fullstrength squad for the fixtures in Lautoka and Wellington. Six points will secure passage to the OFC playoff final.
Veteran Shane Smeltz has returned to the fold after an 18month international absence, while inform Leeds striker Chris Wood is a certainty up front.
The 25yearold has scored 22 goals in the English Championship in 201617, spearheading his side’s Premier League promotion tilt.
‘‘It comes down to his mentality and how hard he works,’’ Hudson said.
‘‘Wood and a few others in this squad can be superstars on the international stage this year because they have now earned that platform.’’
Elsewhere, Dutchbased young gun Ryan Thomas and Mel bourne Victory ace Marco Rojas will stake their claim for a spot on the wing.
South Africanborn left back Deklan Wynne will fly in from his base at Vancouver Whitecaps, as will Bill Tuiloma, from Marseille.
Two potential debutants have also been named in Australianborn siblings Jai and Dane Ingham, both plying their trade in the ALeague.
Hudson was bullish about his side’s prospects in 2017 which, most importantly, takes in a Confederations Cup tilt in June in Russia.
He wanted his side to build on its recent showings against the United States, Mexico and New Caledonia, in which they lost just once, by securing backtoback Fiji wins.
‘‘We have played many times against the Island teams and been consistent, and now it’s time to build on our last tour,’’ Hudson said.
The side will assemble for a training camp on March 19 in Wellington before the match on March 25 in Lautoka. The second fixture will be three days later, in Wellington. — NZN