Ipswich defender Tommy Smith believes he has become a better player following his recent exploits at the World Cup.

The 20-year-old played every minute in New Zealand's unbeaten campaign in South Africa.

He told BBC Look East: "Playing alongside Ryan Nelson and all the experience he has, I learnt a lot from him in the time out there.

"It's given me a lot of confidence in my ability. Hopefully that will enable me to cement my place in the team."

Smith made just 15 appearances for Town last season, but also played eight times for Brentford in League One.

He is now back in the country after helping New Zealand to three World Cup draws, including their 1-1 stalemate with Italy.

After the next couple of weeks I'll need sharpening up but I think I need a break mentally from the game to recharge the batteries Ipswich defender Tommy Smith

"I've been given a couple of extra weeks off so I'll be back in training on the 16th [July]," he said.

"I think my fitness levels are as high as they've ever been at the moment.

"After the next couple of weeks I'll need sharpening up but I think I need a break mentally from the game to recharge the batteries and I'll come back raring to go."

While Smith featured at centre-half for the All Whites many of his Ipswich appearances have come at left-back.

Either way he will face competition from Damien Delaney and Shane O'Connor if he is to break into Roy Keane's first-team.

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