The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Hoilett hoping for Copa America call
Winger Junior Hoilett hopes his Aberdeen form can earn a dream Copa America call-up for Canada this summer.
The 33-year-old starred for Canada in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, playing in all three group games.
Now he hopes his impressive form with the Dons can secure a slot at the finals of another major tournament.
Canada are set to compete in the Copa America for the first time which runs from June 20 to July 14 in the United States.
Final 23-man rosters for the tournament must be confirmed before June 12. Drawn in Group A, Canada will face World Cup holders and reigning Copa America champions Argentina in their opening game. Peru and Chile are also in the group.
Capped 62 times by his country, Hoilett said: “It’s massive for Canada being in the Copa America for the first time.
“If I get called up I’d be delighted to represent my country.
“At the minute I’m focused on playing every week for Aberdeen.”
Signed on a shortterm deal in February by former interim boss Neil Warnock, Hoilett has made an impressive impact at Pittodrie.
His contract expires at the end of the season and Hoilett recently confirmed he is keen to remain at Pittodrie under new manager Jimmy Thelin.
Hoilett says it is a “joy” playing alongside his Aberdeen team-mates.
He said: “I’m enjoying my time here and am gelling well with the team which is a good group.
“We bond on and off the field.
“Everybody works hard for each other to get wins over the line.
“There’s a great group of lads here and a great changing room.
“It’s a joy fighting for each other on the pitch.
“There’s some great talent at this club, some really good players.”
First-team coach Peter Leven was placed in interim charge until the end of the season following Warnock’s exit.
Leven has overseen a resurgence in form with the Dons undefeated in their last six Premiership games, taking 14 points from a possible 18.
Hoilett said: “The manager (Leven) has brought confidence into the squad since he’s taken over.
“It was crucial to start off the post-split games with wins.
“We have a bit of momentum recently and we have to maintain that right to the end.”