Gerry Dobson

Preki.

The raging debate over the value of midseason friendlies will go on ad nauseum, but I know this: Friendlies present the rare opportunity for MLS managers to get a look at what the future holds. Let's face it; how often does TFC coach Preki get to see Doneil Henry play? The 17-year-old defender from Mississauga, ON, was the lone academy player (along with a pair of trialists) thrown onto the pitch to start Wednesday night's kick about with EPL side Bolton Wanderers.

Watching them in action was more evidence, in my opinion, that Canada's professional teams must be the source of player development in this country. Not only for themselves, but for the national interest as well. That's not a new theory of course, but more and more I believe it’s the way it must be.

I get asked the question all the time. Why are we ranked 100th in the world? Why can't we get to the World Cup? We all know the problem. The big issue is how to solve it.

We are the only developed country in the world where the domestic leagues don't develop the players. But of course we don't have a league, do we? We are now up to three teams in MLS and the entire crux of the matter is at their feet.

Toronto defender Nana Attakora is a perfect example. Where would he be without Toronto FC? His development in the last 12 months since he became a starting centre back for the Reds is astonishing. He's now a no brainer when Canadian national team head coach Stephen Hart comes calling.

To a lesser extent, the same applies to Adrian Cann. His wandering career had seen him bounce from club to club in Europe and North America. He never seemed to fit. He was always on the fringe of the national program and yet now he is reborn as a player. He'll be 30 in September, but amazingly he's still developing because of TFC. In fact he might be back in the national team set up. Or at least he's worth a look.

Back to Bolton, it was seasoned experience that provided the inspiration after a Bolton opener.

Jacob Peterson, Mista and Maicon Santos connected on a well played combination with the latter heading in the equalizer.

In the second half more academy players and more trialists got their chance to impress Preki. Maybe they did and maybe they didn't, but it’s the process that counts. That's the way it will have to play out for the pool of capable Canadian players to deepen to the point where qualifying for the World Cup becomes a reality.