Dawson Devoy Leads League of Ireland in Friendly Against Canada

Dawson Devoy will stride out in Montreal tonight carrying more than just the captain’s armband of Bohemians. He carries the flag for the League of Ireland itself.

The 24-year-old midfielder has been drafted straight into the Republic of Ireland XI for the friendly against World Cup co-hosts Canada at Saputo Stadium, one of six changes made by Heimir Hallgrimsson from the side that beat Qatar in Dublin. Devoy missed that Aviva Stadium win due to club duty, but he walks into this game at the heart of midfield, alongside Conor Coventry.

It is a notable selection. Devoy becomes the first current League of Ireland player to feature for the senior national team since Jack Byrne did so in November 2020. Four years of waiting for a home-based representative ends under the lights in Montreal.

Beside him in the spotlight stands another fresh face. Jaden Umeh, the 18-year-old Benfica winger who impressed off the bench against Qatar, is handed his first senior start. He will operate in support of centre forward Troy Parrott, linking up with Chiedozie Ogbene in a lively, pace-heavy line just behind the front man.

Hallgrimsson has reshaped his side in more than one area. Corrie Ndaba, who also won his first senior cap in the Qatar game, steps in at left wing-back. He slots into a five-man defensive line that includes captain Nathan Collins, Séamus Coleman, Jake O'Brien and James Abankwah, the latter collecting only his fourth senior cap but already trusted on this tour.

Behind them, Mark Travers gets the nod in goal. Regular number one Caoimhín Kelleher is one of several players excused after the exertions in Dublin, as Hallgrimsson uses this North American test to stretch his squad and probe its depth against high-calibre opposition.

Kick-off is set for 12.45am Irish time, a late-night window at home but a prime chance abroad for Ireland’s emerging generation.

Canada, co-hosts of the next World Cup and keen to flex their growing strength, line up with Maxime Crepeau in goal and a back line of Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius and Richie Laryea. Stephen Eustaquio captains the side from midfield, joined by Tajon Buchanan, Ismael Kone and Liam Millar, with Jonathan David and Cyle Larin forming a potent strike partnership.

For Ireland, though, the intrigue centres on Devoy and Umeh. One a standard-bearer for the domestic league, the other a teenager breaking through at one of Europe’s giants. Montreal offers them both a stage. What they do with it could echo far beyond a summer friendly.