When FC Edmonton paused its first-team operation at the end of the 2017 NASL season, Ben Fisk had options.

So, did Shiels feel the weight of expectation on his shoulders when he took the field with his new Eddies teammates for the first time Monday?

"We call it the ‘what ifs.’ And I learned that really from John Herdman, who was very thorough and very precise in how he did things.”

But, on the practical side, the second they get sworn in, things change for FC Edmonton coach Colin Miller. Fordyce and Watson will no longer be international players, so that means two precious international roster spots open up for Miller to use as he wishes.

“I’m going a year up, so it’s a big achievement for me, again,” said Boakai. “So, I’m really proud of myself for that. I’m happy that the coach picked me, it’s a big tournament. A lot of people are going to be watching, and we’ll have to see what happens.

The weather forecasts are calling for some rather inhospitable conditions for FC Edmonton’s final home game of the season.

“This is a player I have wanted for a long time,” said FCE coach Colin Miller. “He is busy with the ball, and he will retain possession. He will get into the box and score some goals, as well. He’s a fresh face, which means more competition for places. There is no complacency at all on the team.”

FC Edmonton confirmed that it will be announcing a new player on Saturday, pending that player passing a medical after he arrives in Canada. That player is expected to be Northern Irish international Robert Garrett, who Linfield FC announced would be going to Edmonton on loan for the NASL season.

According to a release on the Belfast club Linfield FC's website released this weekend: "Former Linfield players Albert Watson and Daryl Fordyce have today signed for FC Edmonton in Canada following a two-week trial."

It sounds like the beginning of a bad pub joke: Two Irish guys walk up to a police constable, and the officer tells them to get in the back of the van.