There may not be much importance attached to Canada's pair of friendlies over the next couple of weeks, but there are plenty of interesting storylines.
The last time we saw the Nats they were performing admirably once again for interim head coach Stephen Hart at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. But there's a whole lot of down time between then and Canada's next meaningful match as the World Cup takes the stage next year.
So what do we make of the upcoming matches in Macedonia and Poland? There are plenty of intriguing aspects to this trip and that's why we're going to join them in Europe as well. The recent defection of midfielder Jacob Lensky to the Czech Republic is a hot-button topic right now.
He could still change his mind of course, but that's the problem. I interviewed this kid in the Netherlands last year. He didn't know what he wanted then, and he still doesn't. Good luck to him.
The sudden switcheroo by goalkeeper Asmir Begovic poses a bigger problem. By defecting to Bosnia and Herzegovina, he's left Canada vulnerable at that position. He's claimed the No. 1 spot at Ipswich Town this year, which means he could have also emerged as Canada's keeper for the next World Cup cycle. I'll see what Hart thinks about the future of that position.
Iain Hume is back with Canada almost exactly a year after suffering a horrific head injury while playing with his club side Barnsley. I'm looking forward to talking with him again. Simeon Jackson gets the call again. His stock continues to rise as a goal scorer for Gillingham. He could be just that guy this country has been looking for. I'll ask him if he thinks that's the case.
Jackson and Toronto FC's O'Brian White would look pretty good side by side for Canada. Yes, I know White is pegged for Jamaica, but keep an eye on that one. Perhaps it's a story for another day.
And finally what about Hart himself? I know he wants the job full time if the circumstances and details are right. We'll see.
The results of these matches aren't all that important. But if Hart is to take this team into the next round of World Cup Qualifying, then the first blocks of the foundation have to be laid now.