Hirschfeld prioritizes Rosenborg
By Thomas Myren, 22 May 2007, 14:15
Lars Hirschfeld has rejected playing the North-American championship in June.
Photo: Thomas Karlsen
"The situation demanded that I stay. We just have two keepers, and I have responsibility for not leaving Rosenborg in shortage of keepers. It would have been affecting the team too much in such an important period," Hirschfeld told rosenborg.info.
He made his comeback for Canada in the 3-0 win over Bermuda in March, and was wanted for the squad for the Gold Cup in USA 6-24 June.
"The tournament is not being played on international dates. If we go to the next round, I don't just miss the Fredrikstad game, but that could be 4-5 matches. That's unacceptable - a lot to ask for one player," the Rosenborg goalie thinks.
The 28-year-old would probably just become back-up for Toronto keeper Greg Sutton anyway.
"That you should ask the coach. But that had no importance for my decision," Hirschfeld claims.
He hopes he does not close the door for future play for Canada under his former coach in Vancouver Whitecaps, Dale Mitchell.
"I don't know his intentions for me, but if I hadn't been missing games for Rosenborg, I would have gone," Lars Hirschfeld ends.
