Smith got on the scoresheet in Tuesday’s 3-1 success over Bristol Rovers in the Capital One Cup and is now looking forward to the opening of the league campaign this weekend.
Ipswich take on freshly-relegated Blackburn Rovers at home on Saturday in the first round of the Championship, the second tier of English football, and Smith is likely to earn a starting spot after forming an impressive partnership with Luke Chambers at the heart of the Town defence.
Jewell is pleased with the way the pair have gelled since Smith’s return from playing for New Zealand’s Oly Whites at the Olympic Games and believes the youngster has plenty of potential.
“Tommy’s done smashing, he’s a great pro,” Jewell says.
“He’s only 22 but he’s had a lot of experience at international level and he’s played 50 or 60 games for us. He’ll only get better.”
Former Bradford City and Wigan Athletic boss Jewell was particularly happy to see Smith find the net in the cup win and is hoping for more of the same as the season unfolds.
“I think it’s important that our centre-halves, or anyone’s centre-halves, get goals because they go up for every free kick and corner and we’re entitled to get a bit more of a return than we have been,” he says.
“I think every manager will tell you the same, they need to be getting five, six or seven goals a season.”

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