TOMMY Smith is set to miss Colchester United's next two games after being called up for two international friendlies with New Zealand.

The U's skipper will be absent for the club's forthcoming League Two games against Swindon Town on Saturday and Rochdale, next Tuesday.

Smith, 31, has travelled to Bahrain to meet up with the All Whites squad for their upcoming friendlies.

New Zealand will play Jordan on Friday (January 28) at the New York University Stadium, in Abu Dhabi.

The Kiwis will also take on Uzbekistan next Tuesday (February 1) at the Sevens Stadium, also in Abu Dhabi.

New Zealand's international games are being played in the Middle East again due to Covid restrictions.

The two friendlies are their final set of international fixtures ahead of their World Cup qualifiers, in March.

It is the third time Smith has been called up to the All Whites squad, this season.

He has played in each of their four previous friendlies against Curaçao, Bahrain, Algeria and The Gambia.

Smith has made 23 league and cup appearances for Colchester, this season.

He was an unused substitute for their 3-0 win at Salford City in League Two, last weekend.