Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Dons winger Hoilett hopes for dream Copa America call-up
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 the Maple Leafs 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. It runs from June 20 to July 14 in the United States.
Final 23-man squads 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.
Canada are also in a group alongside Peru and Chile.
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.”
Signed on a short-term deal in February by former interim boss Neil Warnock, winger Hoilett has made an impressive impact at Pittodrie.
Hoilett pitched in with two assists in the Scottish Cup semi-final loss to Celtic at Hampden.
He delivered the cross that was headed in by Ester Sokler in the 90th minute to make it 2-2 and force extra-time.
Then another pinpoint Hoilett delivery was headed in by Angus Macdonald in the 120th minute to force a penalty shootout, which the Dons lost 6-5.
Hoilett also provided an assist in the recent 1-0 defeat of Motherwell.
The winger’s contract expires at the end of the season and he recently confirmed he is keen to remain at Pittodrie under new manager Jimmy Thelin.
Elfsborg boss Thelin has agreed a three-year deal with the Dons and will officially begin at Pittodrie on June 3.
Hoilett said 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.”
Hoilett was secured as a free agent by Warnock, a manager he had previously played under at Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City.
However, Warnock quit the interim manager’s role after only 33 days.
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.
The 1-0 defeat of St Johnstone last weekend secured the Dons’ Premiership safety by eradicating any slim threat of being dragged into the relegation play-offs.
Aberdeen are now 10 points ahead of St Johnstone, who occupy the relegation play-off spot, with three games remaining.