WATCH: Canada manager John Herdman offers scouting report on Honduras
TORONTO – Ahead of Canada's latest cross-continental World Cup Qualifying trip, team manager John Herdman checked in with gathered reporters to discuss the first leg of three total matches in this window - a return to the Estadio OIimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
"I feel like the players when they're here, they know they have to push that next level of performance," Herdman offered. "I'm excited to see different players that maybe haven't had opportunities the last six months."
Canada takes on Honduras on Thursday evening (pre-game begins on watch.onesoccer.ca at 7PM ET) ahead of a return to Hamilton, ON to host the United States (Jan. 30), followed by another away trip to El Salvador (Feb. 2).
While San Pedro Sula isn't exactly filled with fond memories for Canada, Herdman is hoping his new-look team can right some of the hurt of the past with all three points.
"It's a place where if you don't get excited for it, it can really consume the mentality of players," he offered, of San Pedro Sula.
"If you go and look at the last five goals (Honduras have) scored, there's a clear trend to them. And if you listen to them in the media, they're all talking about this is their last chance to gain respect from their fans and keep their World Cup dream alive."
He added: "The reality is, I think this is the first real taste of coming into the Central American region."
Check out the full press conference with John Herdman, below: