Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson has maintained his stance that Nigel Reo-Coker is still a vital member of his team.
The 30-year old former West Ham United and Aston Villa midfielder has made just four MLS appearances in 2014 but was given an opportunity at right-back in the two-legged Canadian Championship semi-final against Toronto FC.
Despite the Whitecaps going down on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate draw, Robinson was delighted with the impact Reo-Coker made in a fairly unfamiliar position, playing down suggestions that he may be on his way out this summer.
"I watched the game again against Toronto, and 120 minutes in he's still getting forward and things like that," said Robinson of the second leg at BC Place last week.
"Nigel's still a big part of the squad, and I said that to him.
"He went back to New York to see his (pregnant) wife over the weekend, so I think he's got a little smile on his face."
