Toronto lands Ben Haim on loan

May 9, 2013 - 4:42 PM Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Toronto FC announced Thursday that the club has signed Israeli international defender Tal Ben Haim on a loan deal from English Premier League side QPR.

Ben Haim joins TFC after signing with QPR in January. The 31-year-old, who knows Toronto head coach Ryan Nelsen from his time at Loftus Road, has lodged over 300 appearances during nine seasons in England.

"Tal Ben Haim has been one of the top defenders in the EPL for nearly a decade," said Toronto FC President and General Manager Kevin Payne. "He captains his national team and Ryan thinks the world of him. He's exactly the sort of veteran defender we need."

Ben Haim has recorded 71 caps for the Israeli national team after making his debut in a friendly match against Germany in 2002.