COLCHESTER United captain Tommy Smith says it's a 'massive honour' to be named in the New Zealand squad for their games against Curaçao and Bahrain next month.

Smith, who has 38 caps for his country, has been named in a 21-man squad made up of players based outside of Australia and New Zealand due to travel restrictions on returning to both countries.

Smith said: "I'd love to play and it's an absolute honour and a privilege every time I get to represent my country.

"It's a massive honour for me."

Smith could miss Colchester's League Two games against Tranmere Rovers (October 8) and Harrogate Town (October 16) next month, as a result of his call-up.

 

New Zealand head coach Danny Hay said: “I think it speaks to the strength of the talent we are developing, and the success they are having overseas, that we are able to assemble a squad without any players from New Zealand and Australia.

“Obviously we would prefer to be in a position to include players from this part of the world but I’m confident in the team we have been able to bring together and I know they are all chomping at the bit to get back on the pitch after such a long time.”

New Zealand face Curaçao on Saturday October 9 (Sunday October 10 NZT) and Bahrain on Tuesday October 12 (Wednesday October 13 NZT) in Manama, Bahrain.

Five players have been called up for their All Whites debut and the squad features ten players who were part of the Olympic side that reached the quarter-finals at Tokyo 2020.