Tommy Smith is set to make his international debut for New Zealand tonight when they take on Mexico in a friendly.

The 19-year-old defender, who is on loan at Brentford, has pledged his allegiance to the country where he lived for eight years and is hoping to win a place in their squad for this summer's World Cup finals.

The game against Mexico is being played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California and if Tommy plays, he will become the first Blue to represent the Kiwis.

Also in action tonight will be Owen Garvan, who is likely to skipper the Republic of Ireland U21s against Armenia in their European Championship qualifier in Dublin while loanee David Healy will be out to add to his 35 goals in 78 games for Northern Ireland in their friendly against Albania in Tirana.

Brian Murphy was an unused substitute for the Republic of Ireland in their 2-0 defeat by Brazil at the Emirates Stadium last night.