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It will be a lineup that hasn't been employed often by the Toronto Argonauts.

In their Tuesday night outing in Ottawa, the Argos will start five international receivers. The move is made possible by the return of Vidal Hazelton from a one-game, team-imposed suspension, and the productive play of Diontae Spencer when he's been in the lineup.

Head coach Scott Milanovich says it's Spencer's skill set that made the move viable.

"Diontae gives us a little bit different vibe." Milanovich told TSN.ca "He's a little different than the rest of the guys. He's a pure speed guy with the ability to really do some damage in the open field.
 
"I think he complements everybody well, so they'll all get playing time. I don't know how many weeks we'll be able to do this relative to the ratio, but it worked out this week."

In the CFL a team must start seven Canadians. The Argos, like most teams, have traditionally started at least one Canadian receiver. Players like Andre Durie, Andre Talbot and Paul Masotti have been key contributors over the last 20 years, but it will be an all-American look against the Redblacks.

Milanovich says it wasn't really a difficult decision for the staff.

"No, it really comes down to the ratio," said the coach. "We've been playing four and even five [Canadians] on defence with Matt Black playing the nickel."

"We're still playing four over there until we get an injury where we can only play three on offence. But if you get any sort of bang-up on the offensive line, anything like that, and things are going to happen in the next six weeks where we won't be able to do it."

The Argos usually start more Canadians than necessary to make sure they have depth and roster flexibility in case they are hit by injuries. Milanovich says the strategy pays off at a time like this.

"I always believe in that," said the coach. "If you feel like you've got guys that are even then you always need to play the Canadian players and build that depth and build that confidence because there's going to come a time where you don't have everybody healthy and guys are going to have to contribute."

Though healthy, the odd man out of the starting receiving corps will be Anthony Coombs, the second -year player from the University of Manitoba. Milanovich stressed that it's nothing against his play and that he will rotate in against Ottawa.

The irony is that Coombs has played his best football of late, something that hasn't been lost on starting quarterback Trevor Harris.

"There's nothing that Anthony Coombs has done," said Harris. "I love Anthony Coombs. I think he's come along really well and his confidence has really risen. We've seen his confidence rise. He's been making more plays, so we're really excited about what Coombs is doing."

That doesn't mean that Harris isn't excited to be working with the combination of Spencer, Hazelton, Chad Owens, Kevin Elliott and Tori Gurley.

"With the other five, they're obviously making a lot of plays and we're just really excited to have that corps be out there together."

With running back Brandon Whitaker in the equation as well, the Argos have many options offensively. TSN.ca asked Harris if he is aware of trying to make sure everyone is getting their fair share of touches.

"Not really. Honestly, people always ask me 'Who is your favourite receiver?' The open guy," chuckled the Waldo, Ohio native. "If he's open in the progression he's going to get the ball and if he's not then I'm going to move on no matter who it is or what the situation is. That's what I've always been about and it's certainly no different tonight. I've just got to make sure I'm taking the open guy, taking what the defence gives me. At the end of the day, we'll be liking our chances."

Harris is hoping the new-look group gives him lots of options as the stretch drive in the CFL continues.