Ipswich defender Smith to play for New Zealand

Ipswich defender and former England youth international Tommy Smith will play for New Zealand at next year\'s World Cup after choosing this week to switch nationality.



The 19-year-old Smith has e-mailed New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert to accept a place in his squad for the tournament in South Africa.



Herbert says Smith will definitely be included in his 23-man squad.



New Zealand are in Group F along with defending champion Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia.



Smith lived in New Zealand for eight years from 1998 and was part of Football New Zealand youth programs before returning to his native England to play junior internationals.