Town skipper Jason De Vos says he hasn't ruled out a return to international action. The 33-year-old, who has already won 49 Canadian caps, scoring four goals, never formally retired from international football and would consider a comeback if asked.
The former Wigan, Dundee United and Darlington man said in a lengthy interview with Canadian website Grassroots North: "Would I consider coming back to play for Canada? Sure I would. If [new Canada coach] Dale Mitchell feels that it would benefit the team having me out there, then of course I would consider it.
"Playing for my country has been the highlight of my career. There is no better feeling in sport than representing your country. So, of course I would give it some thought.”
De Vos says he has never actually retired from Canadian action, despite making himself unavailable in 2005: "There is no document you sign that says you are no longer going to play for your country. So technically, I am still available for selection.
"After the last World Cup qualifying campaign, I had a conversation with [then coach] Frank Yallop about his plans for the team and my role in that. I couldn't at that stage foresee myself playing in 2008 when the next qualifying campaign would begin, because I was physically exhausted.
"I was ill at the end of that season for about two weeks because I'd played too much football and done too much travelling. I couldn't even get out of bed. So I told Frank that I didn't think I would be available for the Gold Cup, and perhaps it would be a good time to give the younger guys some games.”
De Vos says he expects Town team-mate Jaime Peters to have a big future after a season in which he won the Blues' Most Improved Player award: "If these awards were given out for how you play in home games only, Jaime may well have scooped the Player of the Year award as well, because in front of our own fans, Jaime has made a real impact.
"Away from home, he has struggled to make his mark on games, and he often fails to deliver the same level of performance.
"This isn't unusual for someone Jaime's age, and it will take time for him to become consistent. When he does, Jaime can go on and achieve anything he wants in England. He has the ability to play in the Premiership, and he has the one ingredient that everyone is looking for these days - pace.
"I spend a great deal of time at Ipswich looking after the younger guys, trying to keep them on the right track, trying to teach them how to be a good professional who understands the game.
"Jaime needs guidance just like a lot of our young guys, but he's a good kid with a good head on his shoulders. He comes from a supportive family and he has a good education behind him, which helps. It has taken him a long time to settle here and adjust to life as a footballer, but I can only see a bright future for Jaime.”
Peters was left out of the Canada U20 side which beat the USA 4-0 in a friendly on Wednesday. The Canadians gave a run-out to some of their fringe players ahead of the FIFA U20 World Cup which they are hosting. Peters is expected to be a key man for Canada when the competition starts later this month.
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