Smith to see specialist

Smith: To see specialist

Ipswich defender Tommy Smith is due to see a specialist about a back problem after withdrawing from international duty with New Zealand.

The 20-year-old was due to play for the Kiwis against Honduras on Saturday and Paraguay three days later.

But the defender, who scored a late winner against Leeds last Saturday, needs a week's rest so has withdrawn.

Ipswich boss Roy Keane told the club's official website: "Tommy has been troubled by a back problem for a while and won't be going away.

"We've had good discussions with New Zealand over the last two weeks and they are very supportive of the treatment Tommy is having.

"He has had a scan and will see a specialist but he needs a week's rest."

Meanwhile, fellow Ipswich defender Darren O'Dea, who was replaced by Smith in the starting line up against Leeds, has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad to face Russia and Slovakia due to an on-going knee problem.

"Darren was a risk to face Leeds and he won't go away either," added Keane.