The Canadian men's soccer team will use a lineup of players mostly based in Europe for a May 30 international friendly against Cyprus, coach Stephen Hart said Friday.
Hart did not to select any players currently playing for Major League Soccer teams. Since the match in Larnaca, Cyprus, does not fall on a FIFA calendar date, some players were unavailable because of club commitments.
"It's a good opportunity for me to see some players that we have not seen before in international competition and give them the opportunity to show they can fight for selection," Hart said during a conference call.
Of the 17 players named, Marcel de Jong of Roda JC in the Netherlands and Paul Stalteri with Borussia Moenchengladbach in Germany may not be available, depending on their club's results this weekend.
If available, Stalteri would be the most experienced player with 73 international appearances. Richard Hastings (53) and Kevin McKenna (38) are the next two in terms of experience.
Two players, Tosaint Ricketts of Edmonton and Simeon Jackson of Mississauga, Ont., will have a chance to play their first game for the national team.
Canada is currently preparing for this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup competition.
