May 15 (Reuters) - Not all fans have ⁠welcomed Tommy Smith's selection in New Zealand's World Cup squad but his former coach Ricki Herbert is convinced the ⁠36-year-old's experience at the global showpiece makes him a worthy pick.

Defender Smith, a member of New Zealand's last World ‌Cup squad in 2010, has not played for the All Whites since 2024 and is currently turning out for Braintree Town in England's semi-professional fifth tier.