Dawson Devoy Leads Ireland Against Canada in Montreal

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 too.

The 24-year-old midfielder is one of six changes to the Republic of Ireland side to face World Cup co-hosts Canada at Saputo Stadium, and his inclusion snaps a four-year wait for a home-based player to start a senior international. Not since Jack Byrne in November 2020 has a current League of Ireland footballer been trusted from the off at this level.

Devoy partners Conor Coventry in central midfield, a fresh axis at the heart of Heimir Hallgrimsson’s reshuffled team. Devoy missed last Thursday’s friendly win over Qatar at the Aviva Stadium because of club commitments, but he comes straight into the XI here, a clear nod to his form and temperament.

Around him, the team has a distinctly experimental edge.

Eighteen-year-old Benfica winger Jaden Umeh, who only got his first taste of senior international football as a second-half substitute in that Qatar victory, is handed his first start. He lines up in a support role, operating off the flanks alongside Chiedozie Ogbene, with Troy Parrott leading the line as the central striker. Youth, pace, and a licence to attack – Hallgrimsson is clearly willing to stretch Canada’s back line.

Behind them, Corrie Ndaba is rewarded for his debut against Qatar with a start at left wing-back. He forms part of a five-man defensive unit that blends experience and emerging talent. Nathan Collins wears the armband at the back, joined by Séamus Coleman, Jake O'Brien and James Abankwah, who collects just his fourth senior cap. It is a back line that will be asked to grow up quickly against a Canadian attack featuring Jonathan David and Cyle Larin.

Mark Travers takes over in goal, with established number one Caoimhín Kelleher among a group of players given the night off after the Qatar game. It hands Travers a valuable opportunity to stake his claim in a high-profile away fixture against a side gearing up for a home World Cup.

Kick-off comes at 12.45am Irish time, a late-night window into Ireland’s next generation.

Canada, backed by a home crowd and the momentum of their World Cup build-up, name a strong side: Maxime Crepeau starts in goal behind a defence of Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius and Richie Laryea. In midfield, captain Stephen Eustaquio anchors alongside Ismael Kone, with Tajon Buchanan and Liam Millar providing width. Up front, David and Larin offer the kind of cutting edge that will test Ireland’s new-look rearguard from the first whistle.

For Devoy, Umeh and Ndaba, this is more than a friendly. It is a night that can shift careers, a night when the lights of Montreal might just illuminate Ireland’s future.