Devoy Leads Ireland's New Wave for Canada Test

The Republic of Ireland roll into Montreal with a very different look and a very clear statement. This friendly against World Cup co-hosts Canada is no end-of-tour knockabout. Heimir Hallgrimsson has ripped up half his outfield from the win over Qatar and handed the stage to a new wave.

At the heart of it all is Dawson Devoy. The Bohemians captain, fresh from club duty and absent from the Qatar victory, walks straight into central midfield and straight into the history books. At 24, he becomes the first current League of Ireland player to feature for the senior side since Jack Byrne in November 2020. It’s a long wait for the domestic league, and a significant nod from the manager.

Devoy lines up beside Conor Coventry in the middle, a pairing that should offer bite and tempo against a Canadian side stacked with athleticism. Behind them, Mark Travers gets the gloves, with established number one Caoimhín Kelleher among those given the night off after the Aviva outing.

Out wide, the spotlight swings to Jaden Umeh. The 18-year-old Benfica winger only dipped his toes into senior international football as a second-half substitute against Qatar. Now he’s thrown the door wide open with a first start at Saputo Stadium. Umeh will operate in a support role, joining Chiedozie Ogbene just off centre forward Troy Parrott, a front line built for pace and direct running.

There’s change again in the rearguard. Corrie Ndaba, another who made his senior bow against Qatar, is trusted from the off at left wing back. He slots into a five-man defensive unit that carries a blend of experience and emerging talent: captain Nathan Collins marshals the centre alongside Séamus Coleman and Jake O'Brien, with James Abankwah – chasing his fourth cap – completing the line.

It’s a side that looks experimental on paper but carries a clear edge of intent. Hallgrimsson has excused several regulars after the Qatar win, yet the replacements are not there simply to make up numbers. They are there to stake claims.

Across the halfway line, Canada field a team that underlines the scale of the challenge. Maxime Crepeau starts in goal, shielded by a back four of Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius and Richie Laryea. The midfield is anchored by captain Stephen Eustaquio, with Tajon Buchanan, Ismael Kone and Liam Millar offering energy and incision. Up front, the threat is obvious: Jonathan David and Cyle Larin, two proven international finishers, lead the line.

Kick-off comes at 12.45am Irish time, a late-night window into Ireland’s next generation. For Devoy, Umeh, Ndaba and Abankwah, it’s more than a friendly. It’s a chance to turn opportunity into permanence against World Cup hosts on their own patch.