TORONTO (CP) — Men’s national soccer coach Stephen Hart of Halifax made it clear Monday that his goal is to get Canada back in the World Cup mix.

"I’m only looking forward," Hart said at a news conference. "I’m not worried about what happened before. I’m planning to get on with business."

Hart has served as interim head coach since Dale Mitchell was let go last spring, a few months after Canada posted a weak 0-4-2 record in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

The Canadian Soccer Association removed the interim tag from his title Monday and announced a search will begin early next year for Hart’s replacement as technical director.

Hart, who will hold both titles for now, said there could be changes to the roster. He said he’s prepared to field the best possible team — regardless of age — and that above all else he’s looking for commitment.

Hart owns a 9-7-2 record as head coach and led Canada to the semifinals at the 2007 Gold Cup tournament and the quarter-finals of the 2009 event. He is also well-respected by the players, something that could help beef up the pool of prospective talent.

He moved to Canada in 1980 to attend Saint Mary’s University in Halifax.

This page last modified Sunday, 07-Nov-2010 16:43:24 AST