Kingstonian defender Scott Smith made history on Tuesday night when he came on as a subsitute in New Zealand's friendly against Scotland at Tynecastle.

The 28-year-old's appearance for the Kiwis saw him become Ks' first full international since Jock Whitehead was capped for Scotland in the 1930s.

Smith, who arrived at Kingsmeadow from Woking in March, came off the bench after 70 minutes and was delighted to win his 31st cap in the 1-1 draw.

"It was great to get on," he said. "I was a bit nervous, but I just had to treat it like any other game.

"It was a massive step up from the level I have been playing recently, but I was happy with my showing and didn't feel out of place."

Smith made his debut for New Zealand against Chile in 1998 and has scored two goals for his country.

The former Rotherham and Kettering player will soon be jetting off to America, where the Kiwis will play the USA, before travelling to France in June for the FIFA Confederations Cup.

The All Whites have been drawn against Japan, Colombia and France in that tournament and all the games will be played at the Stade de France.

Smith can't wait for the Cup to begin and said: "I played in it last year and really enjoyed the experience, so am already looking forward to the opening match.

"The whole squad is excited about the tournament and we are viewing it as an excellent chance to get back onto the world stage again."

It is still unclear where Smith will be playing at the start of next season, although he has been offered the chance to stay at Ks, for whom he made eight starts towards the end of last season.

However, the defender could not confirm he will be at Kingsmeadow in August and said: "I've been offered terms, but Kim knows I want to play at the highest level possible to further my international chances, so I don't know what will happen.

"Playing in more inter-nationals might get my name noticed, but, if nothing happens, I would be more than happy to start the season as a Kingstonian player."

May 29, 2003 10:31