All Whites coach Anthony Hudson has been reluctant to talk about the status of Ipswich Town defender Tommy Smith, who hasn't been picked for recent All Whites duty.

Anthony Hudson may have named one of his strongest squads since taking charge of the All Whites but it is the ongoing absence of former captain Tommy Smith that continues to hover over the national team.

The All Whites have welcomed back several key players for friendlies against Mexico and the United States next month, as well as a veteran whose international career appeared to be over.

Smith, though, wasn't one of them.

Winston Reid is returning to the All Whites, being named in their 23-man squad for the tour to the US.

After leaving the Ipswich Town defender out of his squad for the Oceania Nations Cup in May, Hudson said he would not be selecting him going forward, citing a lack of commitment to the team.

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But there are indications he may be softening his stance.

GETTY IMAGES Andrew Durante has returned to the All Whites mix.

In addressing the media in Auckland on Thursday, Hudson revealed he met with Smith during a recent trip to the UK.

However, he has yet to make a decision on 26-year-old's international future.

"We've had a couple of discussions, we're going to meet again after this tour but as of now nothing's decided," Hudson said.

GETTY IMAGES Fullback Liam Graham is the one new face in the All Whites squad to tour the US.

Hudson has discussed the issue with senior players, who he says are happy to back his judgement.

"They're happy with what I decide based on my conversations and how I see the situation," he added.

"The decision will be made upon the best interests of the team, whatever that may be."

GETTY IMAGES All Whites coach Anthony Hudson reveals he met former skipper Tommy Smith during a recent trip to the UK.

For now, Hudson is keen to focus on the players he does have and there are plenty of positives for the All Whites boss.

Skipper Winston Reid, Ryan Thomas, Deklan Wynne, Henry Cameron and Clayton Lewis were all absent from the squad that won the Oceania Nations Cup in June, but have been included in the group that was named on Thursday. Although, Thomas and Wynne are one of several players who could yet miss out due to injury.

Reid missed the Oceania Nations Cup as he recovered from injury and Hudson said the West Ham defender was excited to be back leading the side.

"Even when he's not been here he's always on the phone, he's in touch with me.

"To meet him and speak to him when I'm over there (England) you can see how much he cares about the national team and he wants to do well."

Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante has also been named, despite standing down from international duty in September last year.

At the time Durante cited the number of young players coming through at centre back, the strain international travel places on his body, and his young family as reasons for his decision.

But Hudson insisted the door was always open to him.

"You can never have enough experienced players, good characters and good players so we're pleased he's back with us. He's going to add to this squad."

The All Whites play Mexico in Tennessee on October 8 and the United States in Washington, DC on October 11, which serve as a crucial part of their preparation for the World Cup qualifiers in November.

Striker Shane Smeltz and goalkeeper Glen Moss are the two most notable absentees, with Smeltz unavailable for game against the United States.

With the fullback stocks looking light, Hudson has sprung for one new cap in his squad, calling up Liam Graham, who plays for Chesterfield in the English third tier, for the first time. The promotion comes quickly on the heels of the 24-year-old's league debut for the club, which came last weekend.

Goalkeeper Jake Gleeson is the other notable inclusion, returning to the mix under Hudson for the first time since November 2014, after becoming a regular starter for Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer this season.

Not considered due to injury were Bill Tuiloma, Thomas Doyle, Louis Fenton and Storm Roux while several players have picked up niggling injuries over the past few weeks, including Thomas, who has only recently returned from a troublesome knee issue.

Asked if it was the strongest squad he has selected since his appointment in 2014, Hudson said: "If you had asked two or three weeks ago this would've been the best.

"As soon as we wake up on Sunday and we know how everyone is after their games then we're going to have an idea. One thing I've learned in this job is I do not panic or certainly get carried away before the window. We see the people we've got and we make the most of it."