Duo staying home

04 October 2010 12:03
Ipswich have confirmed defenders Darren O'Dea and Tommy Smith have pulled out of international duty this week. O'Dea was named in the Republic of Ireland squad to face Russia and Slovakia but has withdrawn due to an on-going knee problem. Smith - who scored against Leeds on Saturday after replacing O'Dea in the starting XI - was due to play for New Zealand against Honduras and Paraguay. Manager 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. Darren was a risk to face Leeds and he won't go away either."

Source: PA