Toronto FC head coach Ryan Nelsen says Steven Caldwell's short-term loan to the club gives him the opportunity to see if he wants to continue his career in MLS.
The 32-year old Birmingham City defender will spend the next 10 weeks with the Reds and former New Zealand international Nelsen believes it will give him some good insight into making a decision on his career when his contract in England runs out.
"It's a big change for guys like him, because they have families," Nelsen told MLSsoccer.com.
"So sometimes it is hard for them to know whether [a move to North America] is for them.
"It is a great opportunity for him to see if he likes it and to have his family come out. If we want to extend it and both parties want to do that, we'll be more than happy to do so."
Throughout his career, Caldwell has played for such clubs as Newcastle United, Blackpool, Bradford City, Leeds United, Sunderland, Burnley and Wigan Athletic.