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Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney was talking (quite enthusiastically) about the skill set of his newest player, French midfielder/winger Nicolas Benezet, on Tuesday.

But one attribute that Vanney didn’t mention is Benezet’s enthusiasm.

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The Reds picked up Benezet this week and the former France U20 international told the French newspaper L’Equipe that he hopes to actually play for TFC this weekend.

“I feel good,” Benezet said. “I don’t yet have a full 90 minutes under my belt, maybe an hour, but I can’t wait to start as we play in New York on (Saturday), against the Red Bulls.”

Vanney smiled when told of Benezet’s wishes.

“He should be pretty close to being ready (but) I don’t expect him to play Saturday,” Vanney said. “I would like him to go on the trip (to New York) because I want him around his (new) teammates and experience an MLS game. But then I would hope he would be ready to go by next week.”

Benezet was scheduled to fly to Toronto on Tuesday and is expected to join the Reds at the BMO Training Ground on Wednesday.