TORONTO – Two faces that could play for Canada but haven’t made their decisions yet are opting to wait before declaring their respective international loyalties.
First there was a glimpse of Junior Hoilett on the big screen at BMO Field during the friendly with the United States. Hoilett – who has the option to play for either Canada or Jamaica – didn’t grant any interviews but did tell a reporter that he’s waiting to sort out his club future before deciding where his international loyalties lie.
Now Jonathan de Guzman – the brother of Toronto FC's Julian de Guzman, who is currently in the Canadian squad – is apparently taking the same course.
The younger de Guzman (above) is still with Villarreal, who were recently relegated from La Liga in Spain, but will likely be moving onto another club. He originally said he wanted to play for the Netherlands, but after appearing for the country at youth levels, he’s yet to make a senior team breakthrough – a feat that’s looking ever more unlikely.
Last year, brother Julian said in a television interview that Jonathan was sorting out his Canadian passport and looking to play for Canada. He seems to have backtracked from that assertion, though, as the TFC man told a reporter that Jonathan is going to sort out his club situation before refocusing on where his international career lies.
Canada national team head coach Stephen Hart made it clear he’s stopped trying to contact both players and that he’s already done everything he can to convince them to join the Canadian cause. His focus now is on the players who are currently wearing the red and white and trying to help that group progress in World Cup qualifying.
The next task for Canada will come Tuesday night when they host Honduras at BMO Field (7:45 pm ET, Sportsnet) after earning a well-deserved 1-0 victory in Cuba last Friday.
