Defender to represent New Zealand in September

Tommy Smith has been granted permission to join up with the New Zealand squad, if selected, for a series of 2014 World Cup qualifiers in September and October.

The Town defender is likely to be part of the All Whites squad which takes on New Caledonia (away) and Solomon Islands (home) in early September, before a home and away double header against Tahiti in October.

It comes on the back of Tommy representing the ‘Oly Whites’, New Zealand’s Olympic side in the recent London 2012 Games.

Meanwhile Josh Carson was in international action last night for Northern Ireland, with the teenager coming on as a late substitute as his side drew 3-3 with Finland in Belfast.

Blues pair Damien Delaney and Ronan Murray were also on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, although Ronan was with the U21 side.