This is the whole point though, he is not going to get any experience playing in friendlies. These matches are played at half pace, this is hardly going to help when he plays in the helter skelter of the championship, so surely there is a school of thought that says that these friendlies he plays in are ruining his game preparation for us, thus he is not going to be stretched or tested.
Played at half pace or not playing competitive matches of any kind does gain you experience. You still go up against some of the best players and it is better to learn various styles of playing than to only play in the 100 mph championship. Maybe that's the problem with some players, they don't learn different ways of playing and can become a bit one dimensional. I for one salute Tommys commitment to his country of choice, New Zealand aren't exactly blessed with a dirge of top class players and he got the 'experience' of captaining a side, guess that's not good enough for some. He could be captain for us one day. When Tommy scores for us he runs to the crowd and jumps and pumps his fist in the air with a very passionate look about him as if to say "I did that for you". I wouldn't question his loyalty to us for a minute, not when other players are more interested in showing off their dance moves etc when they score.
As has already been said, he's young & it's possible he could improve. IMO, to achieve his full potential he needs to play alongside someone who knows how to organise a defence (last 2 I've seen in an ITFC shirt were Mowbray & De Vos). At the moment, it seems to me everyone is trying to look after their own performance rather than help others & in so doing help the team
I think it's great that he is playing for and is captaining his country! This should be the peak of a players career and hopefully it will make him a more rounded player for itfc. I've never heard such b*****ks as not wanting your clubs players playing international matches! If Mick didn't want him playing these friendlies he could block them like he is for Edwards.
