TORONTO — David (Junior) Hoilett has committed to play for Canada.
The 25-year-old midfielder from Brampton, Ont., plays his club soccer for Queens Park Rangers in England’s second tier. But his international future has been a question mark until now.
"I can’t wait to play, put on the Canada jersey for the first time, and help the team achieve better things and progress as a nation," Hoilett said in a video interview provided by the Canadian Soccer Association.
Hoilett is also eligible to play for Jamaica by virtue of his parents. England was also a possibility by virtue of his time spent there.
The speedy winger is expected to join the Canadian national team next week in Florida in advance of a friendly against Ghana in Washington, D.C.
Benito Floro’s team is preparing for the November start of the fourth round of World Cup qualifying in the CONCACAF region. Canada hosts Honduras on Nov. 13 in Vancouver before playing in El Salvador on Nov. 17.
Hoilett said he made his decision to join the Canadian fold after meeting with Floro.
"He (Floro) sat down prior to the decision and he was just giving me confidence, telling me to just be out there, be happy, play your game, we already know what you can do and just be comfortable when you are out there," Hoilett said. "We have a good team, good structure behind it, and we’re looking forward to be out there, create chances and help the team win games."
Hoilett has seen limited action for QPR this season, appearing in just two cup games. British reports have linked him to a move away from the London club in recent months.
He played for Blackburn Rovers previously in England and had earlier stints with Paderborn and St. Pauli in Germany.
Hoilett and younger brother Janiel have both trained with Toronto FC in the off-season.
Hoilett joins FC Dallas forward Tesho Akindele in choosing Canada over another country. The Calgary-born Akindele, who also has U.S. citizenship, committed to Canada in June.
Others in the past have gone the other way, including Owen Hargreaves (England), Teal Bunbury (U.S.) and Asmir Begovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina).