Here at Long Balls, we've concocted a lifestyle based around "expectations management." That is to say, never hoping too eagerly about anything because of the possibility it could end in disappointment. This worldview definitely included avoiding further mention of Blackburn striker David Hoilett.
Unfortunately young Hoilett refuses to cooperate. Or more accurately, he refuses to fade into mediocrity, thus rendering his decision on which country to turn out for internationally a moot point. The goal he scored against Birmingham on the weekend was his third in four matches, and his splendid form is helping to prop Blackburn's breathing orifices above the water line in the Premier League relegation battle.
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Yes, the more heads Hoilett turns in England the more transparent are the brave faces put on by Canada supporters who claim not to care which way he eventually goes. But it's interesting how these matters play out. As Blackburn fight to stay up, another Canadian striker, someone who has never made any bones about where his international priorities lie, helps Norwich City fight to move up.
The Canaries are fluttering third in the Championship, one peg below the top two automatic promotion prizes to the Premier League, thanks in no small part to Simeon Jackson's goal from a substitute appearance to salvage a 2-2 draw with Watford midweek.
Of course, if Blackburn is relegated, David Hoilett will likely be scooped up by a Premiership club, whereas Jackson will probably be sold to a Championship one should Norwich jump up. But would there not be some sort of sweet karma at work in seeing Jackson line up in the Premier League next season while David Hoilett kicks off in the Championship?
Or, you could look at the situation dispassionately and conclude there is ample evidence to suggest Hoilett is indeed the better player and carries far more potential, nevermind the fact there remains a solid chance he will choose to represent Canada, thereby making his demotion to the English second division a horribly short-sighted thing to hope for, even secretly.
As for the rest of the Canadians near and abroad:
Iain Hume started for Preston North End against Portsmouth on the weekend and scored at the end of the first half. His recent exploits saw him nominated for Championship player of the month, which eventually went to some guy from Reading.
Jaime Peters and David Edgar continue their struggles with Ipswich Town and Burnley respectively, sitting on the bench for games on the weekend and midweek.
Josh Simpson was subbed off after 50 minutes against Konyaspor in the Turkish top flight. The last time he scored was, horror of horrors, on February 27.
Mike Klukowski was not in the squad as Ankaragucu lose to Gaziantepspor. Get used to that previous sentence, as he reportedly wants to leave the club due to unpaid wages.
In the Netherlands, Atiba Hutchinson played the full 90 minutes in a 2-2 draw with Heerenveen on the weekend as well as 90 minutes in Europa League against Benfica on Thursday.
Marcel de Jong is still around and still on track for Bundesliga promotion. He played 62 minutes way back on Friday in a 0-0 draw against something called Greuther Fürth. His club Augsburg are still holding onto 2nd place and automatic promotion from the 2.Bundesliga, three points ahead of Bochum with five matches to play.
And closer to home, Julian de Guzman continues his revival from injury, playing the second half against San Jose on the weekend and then 65 minutes in a starting performance against the LA Galaxy on Wednesday.