Former national team captain Jon Dahl Tomasson was excited to see the center-back/midfielder in a national team context. The 29-year-old was called up four times.
Every time, he had to call and tell the national team that he was being treated for injuries.
In his most recent Bundesliga match for St. Pauli, he was hit on the foot and had time to think "not again."
"It was a little bit like that, but I was able to keep playing and wasn't too worried. I'm extremely happy that I got this chance and was able to go," says Smith.
What was it like to have to say no?
"Horrible, not fun at all. I understand it looked a bit strange from the outside, but I was hurt and couldn't do anything about it."
What do you think?