Posted by

Harjeet Johal ,

January 24, 2018 Twitter

@HarJournalist

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VANCOUVER, B.C. - Vancouver Whitecaps FC Coach Carl Robinson has always preached the importance of having quality centre-back depth over the course of an MLS campaign. Injuries, suspensions, and international duty often come together at the most crucial junctures of the season. Offseason acquisition, Doneil Henry is hoping to step right in. Carl Robinson will be hoping Whitecaps FC are just the environment, and organization to help Henry get his career back on track. Henry is recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee. Acquired via the Major League Soccer Allocation Process, in December. Henry has been sidelined, and hasn't played football since the fall of 2016. It's been a long road back for the Brampton, Ontario native, but Henry can see daylight, and positives progress. He is hopeful that he will be fit, and ready for action when Whitecaps FC season begins on Sunday, March 4 vs Montreal Impact. "Mentally, I think I'm there," said Henry, as he sat down with Red Nation Online on Tuesday. "Physically, I'm probably not too far away, maybe a couple of weeks. It's perfect timing. When I was thinking about what my next move in football, I thought this was probably the right move for me. To come back, and get a proper preseason. My body needs a proper beating to get me mentally, and physically fit for definitely a tough schedule." Showing Doneil Henry around the new hood ✌️



RT to welcome our new centre back to the city! #VWFC pic.twitter.com/T2BCm4POcn — Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC) January 12, 2018 The 24 year-old Henry, has filled up his passport in a relatively short time. He has made 70 MLS appearances all with Toronto FC from 2010 - 2014. He spent three seasons with West Ham in the Premier League, primarily out on loan. On the international level, Henry has 22 caps with Canada. Henry is hoping to show that he has a lot of football left. "I definitely have a lot to show, because I haven't played a lot of football in these last few years because of my injuries. I know when I'm healthy, I'm to be reckoned with," Henry said with confidence. When Henry is not to be reckoned with, where can Whitecaps FC fans expect to find him on the pitch? "I am a central-defender, (pounds fist on the table), permanently!! but I will do the job if my team needs me." Competition for playing time won't come easy for Henry. Carl Robinson's set pairing of Kendall Waston, and Tim Parker are expected to earn the bulk of action at centre-back. Aaron Maund, and unsigned training camp invite, David Edgar could also be in the mix. Henry is quite clear, he won't be content in a backup role, he wants first team minutes. "I view myself as a starter," said Henry when asked about his potential role. Henry wants to be in Vancouver, and he wants to play football for Whitecaps FC. He came to the city prior to training camp to get acclimated. He wants to make sure he puts himself in the best position possible to succeed and contribute in for Vancouver in 2018. Carl Robinson could be the gaffer to get Henry to play at his peak potential. Having that familiarity with Henry builds trust, confidence, and chemistry. Henry expects to get the best guidance from his coach, and in return he knows what will be expected of him. "I think he's going to hold me to a high standard, which I do not mind," Henry revealed. "I actually want him to continue to push me to do better and be better. Obviously he knows my qualities, and what I can bring to the team." Every MLS team needs character, quality, depth, and hungry footballers that are ready to step up and deliver when called upon. Doneil Henry wants his number called. He wants to show Whitecaps FC that's he is fit, focused, and ready to make a positive impression.