Soccer: Middlesbrough keen to take on Killen

All Whites striker Chris Killen has a chance to score more game time in the Championship. Photo / Mark Mitchell

New Zealand soccer striker Chris Killen's World Cup preparations are in line for a boost if a loan deal between his current club, Glasgow Celtic, and Middlesbrough goes through.

British media reported yesterday that Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan, Killen's former manager at Celtic, was talking with the Scottish club about taking the All Whites striker until the end of the season.

Strachan can offer Killen, 28, the chance to keep match fit ahead of the World Cup finals later this year in South Africa.

Killen is out of contract in the northern summer and, as he has not been playing regularly for Celtic, is not expected to be offered an extension.

Wellington-born Killen began his career with Manchester City as a 17-year-old. He later played for Oldham and Hibernian in Scotland before being signed by Strachan for Celtic in 2007.

Since then Killen has played just 26 games for Celtic, scoring two goals.

He has done better at international level, scoring 10 times for New Zealand in 29 games.

If the deal is done, Killen could be playing in Middlesbrough's home fixture against Swansea City tomorrow.

Meanwhile, New Zealand World Cup hopeful, Ipswich Town defender Tommy Smith, has joined League One's Brentford on a one-month loan as he too seeks more game time ahead of the World Cup. Smith, 19, is highly-rated by Brentford and manager Andy Scott said: "Tommy's another player we have been keeping an eye on for some time.

"We hope his time with us will help him fulfil the promise he has shown and in turn help him with his ambitions to represent New Zealand in the World Cup finals this summer."

Smith, a former England youth international, recently agreed to join New Zealand's World Cup campaign after being approached by All Whites coach Ricki Herbert.

Smith's family moved to Auckland when he was eight, making him eligible for the All Whites under Fifa guidelines.

An outstanding player while at Westlake Boys High School, he was part of the national youth development systems.

- NZPA