VANCOUVER — Much has changed for Ali Ahmed since he last practised on the billiard-table smooth grass of the Vancouver Whitecaps’ training compound at the University of B.C.

But the 25-year-old hasn’t seemed to change in nature. Still amiable and upbeat, he greeted a couple of local reporters by name Monday as he walked from the pitch into a media scrum after practising with Canada’s World Cup team.

Just like old times for Ahmed, who spent three seasons with the Whitecaps in Major League Soccer before his January transfer to Norwich City of the English Championship became a turning point for his new club.

Except these aren’t old times.

Ahmed came on as a substitute and made an impact as Canada rallied to salvage a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday in Toronto. There is a case for the speedy winger to start Thursday’s critical match against Qatar here at B.C. Place Stadium.

“Yeah, this is my home,” he told my reporters. “This is why I'm here. B.C. Place, you know, I made my professional debut there. Obviously, representing your country in a place you're familiar with would mean a lot.”

How strange was it to be back at the Whitecaps’ compound after his transfer?

“Nah, I love it, man,” Ahmed said. “This is home for me. It hasn't been too long, honestly. Getting back in the building, sitting in the same change room that I........

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