Hutchinson returns, Tabla a first-timer on Canadian squad

Veteran midfielder Atiba Hutchinson returns while teenager Ballou Tabla makes his debut on John Herdman’s roster for Canada’s CONCACAF Nations League home game against Dominica on Oct. 16 at Toronto’s BMO Field.

Hutchinson, who has won 78 caps for Canada, makes his first national team appearance since a 2-0 win over Jamaica in September 2017. Born in the Ivory Coast, Tabla only recently committed to Canada.

There are six teenagers in the squad: Alphonso Davies (17), Alessandro Busti and Jonathan David (both 18) and Tabla, Zachary Brault-Guillard, and Liam Millar (all 19).

Hutchnson (35), David Edgar and Tosaint Ricketts (both 31) are the only over-30 members of the 23-man squad.

Canada is currently ranked 79th in the world, compared to No. 177 for Dominica.

The Canadian men thumped the U.S. Virgin Islands 8-0 last month in their first CONCACAF Nations League game.

The following is Canada’s roster:

Scott Arfield, Zachary BraultGuillard, Alessandro Busti, Lucas Cavallini, Jay Chapman, Derek Cornelius, Jonathan David, Alphonso Davies, David Edgar, Doneil Henry, Junior Hoilett, Atiba Hutchinson, Manjrekar James, Cyle Larin, Liam Millar, Ashtone Morgan, Jonathan Osorio, James Pantemis, Samuel Piette, Tosaint Ricketts, Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla, Russell Teibert, Simon Thomas.

CP PHOTO Montreal Impact midfielder Tabla (13) jumps over a sliding tackle from Toronto FC defender Chris Mavinga (23) during second-half MLS soccer action in Toronto in this Oct.15, 2017, file photo.