Town international has one big football dream left

Former Ipswich Town hero Tommy Smith has told college students of his last big sporting dream - to play for his country in one last World Cup.

Tommy Smith, who played over 200 times for Town, still has hopes of playing for New Zealand in the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

The 36-year-old, who has been playing for Braintree Town in the National League this season, shared his hopes during a two-hour Q&A session held in front of about 100 staff and students at Suffolk New College on Monday.

"Fingers crossed. I'm waiting for the call and hopefully it will be positive news. It would be an amazing way to finish my career," he said.

Smith's dream was revealed during a sit down chat with college principal and chief executive, Alan Pease.

Defender Smith, who has clocked up over 50 appearances for his country and played in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, discussed his injury issues, playing for managers including Peter Taylor, Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy, some of his favourite teammates and toughest opponents.

He said Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar and Ronaldo were the toughest while his best teammates were Aaron Cresswell, David McGoldrick, Cole Skuse and his best mate Chris Wood, who had a brief spell at Ipswich and now plays for Nottingham Forest.

Smith, who also played for Brentford and Colchester and had spells in the US, Australia and New Zealand, also revealed that he studied at the college while part of the ITFC Academy.

Braintree have been relegated from the National League this season.

He said: "It was a really enjoyable experience. It's a magnificent building and it's great to come back and see the college thriving and going from strength to strength."

Pease added: "Tommy gave up his time for free and was very open and honest. He gave some great advice to our students and all of the college is hoping he gets some good news in a couple of weeks."

New Zealand have been drawn against Belgium, Egypt and Iran in Group G at the World Cup, with their first game against Iran scheduled for 16 June.

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