Terry Dunfield finally got back into the lineup for Ross County this weekend—and things turned out much better than they did on his previous appearance.
Dunfield got the start against league leaders Celtic on Saturday; coincidentally, his previous start, back in October, was also against Celtic. But while Ross County were thrashed 5-0 on that previous occasion, the club (which sits bottom of the table) were able to hold on for a surprising 0-0 draw at Celtic Park this weekend. Dunfield did his part to preserve the result, earning a yellow card in second-half stoppage time as he was being subbed out.
Over in England, Junior Hoilett also did his part for his Premiership side, earning a penalty for QPR in Friday’s match against Arsenal. Charlie Austin converted to bring QPR within a goal, but the Gunners held on for a 2-1 win. Hoilett then went the full 90 on Sunday in a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace.
Atiba Hutchinson of Besiktas was shown a red card for the second time in a month, getting a second yellow late in Sunday’s league match against Konyaspor. His side held on for a 2-1 victory on the day. With Hutchinson now suspended for Besiktas’ next match, on Jan. 4, and the club then off until Jan. 21, could the stalwart midfielder be released for Canada’s two friendlies on Jan. 13 and Jan. 16?
With many leagues featuring Canadian players either done for the year or on winter break, it was a pretty quiet week otherwise. Still, a number of Canadian exports received some playing time as a Christmas gift.
Luca Gasparotto retained his spot in the back line for Airdrieonians in Scotland, going the full 90 in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Ayr United. The young defender, who is on loan from Rangers, has impressed during his time at Airdrie, making it distinctly possible that his loan will be extended until season’s end.
His erstwhile Rangers teammate, Fraser Aird, played the first half on Saturday in a disappointing 4-0 loss to Hibernian, who now sit just four points behind Rangers in the Scottish Championship table.
On Sunday, Tam Nsaliwa went the full 90 for Turkish side Bucaspor in a scoreless draw against Samsunspor and over in England, Marcus Haber started for Crewe Alexandra in a 1-1 draw against Preston North End.
Staying in England, Simeon Jackson came on as a sub for Coventry City in Friday’s 2-0 loss to Doncaster Rovers, then went the distance on Sunday in a 0-0 draw against Chesterfield.
Daniel Squizzato covers Canadians based overseas for MLSsoccer.com.
