Devoy Makes Debut as Ireland Faces Canada in Montreal
The League of Ireland steps back onto the senior international stage tonight as Bohemians captain Dawson Devoy is handed his debut in a much-changed Republic of Ireland side to face World Cup co-hosts Canada in Montreal.
Devoy, unavailable for last Thursday’s win over Qatar at Aviva Stadium because of club duty, is thrown straight into the heart of midfield at Saputo Stadium. He partners Conor Coventry in the engine room and, at 24, becomes the first current League of Ireland player to feature for the senior team since Jack Byrne in November 2020. That wait has felt long. It ends under the lights in Quebec.
Around him, Heimir Hallgrimsson reshapes his XI with six changes, leaning into youth, fringe form and fresh legs after the Qatar victory. Number one Caoimhín Kelleher is among those excused from this leg of the trip, so Mark Travers takes the gloves.
Umeh handed first senior start
On the flanks, there is another significant step in a young career. Jaden Umeh, the 18-year-old Benfica winger who came off the bench against Qatar for his first cap, is promoted to his first senior start. He lines up in a support role alongside Chiedozie Ogbene, operating just off central striker Troy Parrott.
It is a front trio built for running at defenders and breaking lines rather than simply holding shape. Parrott leads the line, Ogbene brings his familiar direct threat, and Umeh offers the unknown quantity Canada must quickly solve.
New look at the back
Behind them, Ireland go with a five-man rearguard that blends experience, promise and players still bedding into the international scene.
Corrie Ndaba, who also made his senior bow against Qatar, starts at left wing back. Inside him, captain Nathan Collins anchors a back line that also includes Séamus Coleman, Jake O'Brien and James Abankwah. For Abankwah, this is cap number four, another small but important step in his early international journey.
Travers marshals that unit from goal, charged with keeping out a Canadian attack that carries real pedigree.
Canada roll out firepower
Canada, co-hosts of the next World Cup and eager to flex in front of their own fans, name a strong side. Maxime Crepeau starts in goal, protected by a back line of Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius and Richie Laryea.
The midfield has balance and bite: Tajon Buchanan, captain Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone and Liam Millar form the quartet charged with dictating tempo and feeding the front two. And what a front two it is – Jonathan David and Cyle Larin, a pair with proven scoring records at club and international level.
Kick-off in Montreal is set for 12.45am Irish time. A late start, but with Devoy breaking new ground for the domestic league and Umeh stepping into the spotlight, there is plenty for Irish eyes to stay up for.
