By Al Clark
al@canucks-abroad.com

It was a tough week for young Canucks Abroad as four of our best prospects for the future suddenly found themselves without clubs.

In Scotland, Hibernian released U20/U23 midfielder Keegan Ayre after his loan deal at Berwick Rangers. Keegan hasn't let the disappointment of being let go dampen his spirit, in fact he has already been down to Gillingham for a 2 day trial, where he would have trained with fellow CA and former Canada U20 teammate, Simeon Jackson. Ayre wasn't at all down-hearted, "It gives me a chance for a fresh start" he told CA, "Hibs went sour ages ago". With his loan deal to minnows Berwick it's easy to understand. "It [the trial at Gillingham] went well" he confirmed.

Ayre seems to have other options but seems to be looking to stay in the British Isles. "Plans right now are to stay in the UK one reason is I've really always fancied playing in England". Ayre hit the nail on the head as he indicates the value of an EU passport in the sport, "if I stay in the UK 'til 2009 I can get dual citizenship which I could use for going to clubs without any hassle". The EU passport - a golden ticket to the best leagues in the world, as it sidesteps any foreign restrictions and work permit complications.

After the recent loss of JDG2 to The Netherlands, the U23 starter was quick to put minds at ease, "don't worry I wouldn't use it [second nationality] to play for another country!"

Also on the move this week was Groningen's Canadian contingent. We have already reported that Michael Nonni has arranged a trial for a week at EPL club Blackburn Rovers. "I fly in this coming Sunday and stay at a hotel in Blackburn until the following Sunday" he told CA. "They've notified me that I will be training with the reserves and hopefully they can get me into a few first team sessions". With two fellow Canadians on the books at Rovers in their youth system it would seem to be a good environment for Nonni to catch the eye and win a deal.

The youngster was clearly excited by his opportunity, and knows that this is potentially a big break for him in his young career. "I think this is an amazing opportunity for myself and i've always fancied Blackburn since I was a kid so I really can't wait to get out onto the pitch!" Nonni explained, "at the end of the week, depending on how I do, they would like to get me into a reserve game".

"I also think it will be a great learning experience, just to see what players of such calibre are like on and off the field. Hopefully I can do well and extend my stay at Blackburn". Nonni clearly understands that this can only be positive experience. We wish him well on his trial and hope that he can secure a contract.

Canucks Abroad has also learned that Nonni's fellow Canadians - CMNT U23 player Marcus Haber, and Robbie Giezen have also been released by Groningen. We will update with further information as it becomes available.

So, not the best week for Canucks Abroad, but 'every cloud has a silver lining'. Fresh opportunities await for all four players, and as Nonni has shown minor setbacks such as these can be turned into dream moves. We hope all four players turn up soon at new clubs where they can challenge for starting time and really cement their places in the world's game. We will continue to follow all four as they look to take the next step in their young careers.