Roy Keane is backing Tommy Smith to pledge his future to New Zealand and join their World Cup squad.

The Town defender, who has played for England at U17 level, qualifies to play for the country after his family emigrated there when he was eight.

National team boss Ricki Herbert has been in touch with Blues to ask if Tommy is interested in declaring his allegiance to New Zealand and the indications are that he will and that is likely to mean the 19-year-old going to the World Cup finals next summer.

"New Zealand are keen for Tommy to be involved with them and I've spoken to him and said it would have no effect on his career at Ipswich - knowing the travelling involved - if he decided to follow up their approach," Town boss Roy tells the Club website.

"If he gets the opportunity to play for New Zealand - and it's still a big if because he will have to impress their manager - then my advice is go for it. If he wants to play in the World Cup, then go and do it.

"He's obviously not played in any of their qualifying games but New Zealand won't have a big range of players and it will be down to the manager to take the best squad of players he can to South Africa.

"It's the first time New Zealand have qualified for the finals in 28 years so there won't be too many opportunities. If Tommy makes it, then good luck to him."

The matchday programme for Monday's game against QPR carries an extended column with the Town boss.