ASK any Hartlepool United fan from the late 1970s and they will remember Eddie Edgar. With his bushy tache and mop of hair, the goalkeeper made 75 appearances for Pools.

He lived above a fish and chip shop, the one owned by the club’s all-time leading scorer Kenny Johnson.

Forty years later and the name Edgar is back on the Pools team sheet, Eddie’s son David.

And, for the former Newcastle United defender, there’s no place like an adopted home.

Canadian-born Edgar is back in the North-East after leaving Newcastle United for Burnley in 2009 after eight years at St James’ Park.

"I have Sunday roast at my Nan's, like the old times. She is a bit slower doing things now, but it is great,’’ mused the centre-half who left Canada aged 14 to move to his grandmother’s house in Hebburn.

"I have been able to see my pals, we have a little car school from Newcastle - we have some Geordies - it is good, we have a great group.

"I have been hanging out with Matty Pattison - who I played with at Newcastle. We used to live together. I have also been staying with an ice hockey player, a Canadian, Derek Campbell, he used to play for Whitley Bay.

"My Dad always spoke highly of this football club - he lived above a fish and chip shop, he had a great time.

"He wasn't happy when I said he wasn't much of a legend at the club!"

Edgar is back in Canada this week, hoping to add to his 42 caps and become the first player to be capped while playing for Pools since Ambrose Fogarty managed a single Republic of Ireland appearance in 1964.

Canada, under Tyneside-born coach John Herdman, take on French Guiana in a CONCACAF Nations League qualifier on Sunday which means he is out of Pools home game with Wrexham on Saturday.

"I want to get to that half century for sure and I am really pleased to be back in the national setup,’’ admitted Edgar.

"I think playing three games in a week for Hartlepool can show the manager I am ready for the international stage again.’’

Edgar returned to England to find a club after his contract ended with Ottowa Fury. Trials with Sunderland and Bradford came to nothing before he signed a deal with Pools until the end of the season.

"It is always an honour for me to play for my country and I had to be signed up somewhere and playing to be selected,’’ he admitted.

"It is a disappointment to miss a game - I didn't want to miss any games - but it is something I have had to come to terms with. The gaffer knows, and has been supportive."

"Signing for Hartlepool was an easy decision for me - I want to play football and I had heard great things about the football club and the gaffer.

"All I want to do is play as many games as I can to the end of the season. I am grateful for the opportunity.’’

Edgar impressed alongside Fraser Kerr in defence at the weekend as Pools kept a clean sheet at Barnet.

He said: "We were pretty resilient as a backline. We headed balls and defended well, which was good having conceded six in the previous two games. We all know we could have played better but a clean sheet is good in any game.

"I have really enjoyed it here. We have a good group of lads who work hard for each other, and we have some talented players.

"I have enjoyed playing next to Fraser, he is a big strong fella.’’

"There are some good footballers here. I am just enjoying getting the buzz back because it has been a stop-start year for me since I had my last injury.

"I wanted to get back to Europe and play - I am happy I made that decision.’’

Pools striker Luke James was also on international duty last night, appearing for England C against Wales C at Salford City.