Dawson Devoy Leads Ireland Against Canada in Montreal
Dawson Devoy will stride out in Montreal tonight carrying more than the captain’s armband from Bohemians. He carries a marker for the League of Ireland itself.
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 selection cuts through three and a half years of exile for the domestic league at senior international level. Not since Jack Byrne in November 2020 has a current League of Ireland player taken to the pitch for the Irish senior team.
That wait ends in the early hours, at 12.45am Irish time.
Devoy’s moment, Umeh’s leap
Devoy, unavailable for last Thursday’s friendly win over Qatar at Aviva Stadium because of club commitments, now steps straight into the heart of midfield. He partners Conor Coventry in the engine room, a pairing that blends Devoy’s sharp passing and game intelligence with Coventry’s industry and control.
Just ahead of them, another story begins to accelerate. Jaden Umeh, the 18-year-old Benfica winger who only dipped his toes into senior international waters as a second-half substitute in that victory over Qatar, is thrown a first start.
He doesn’t get it on the fringes either. Umeh lines up in a support role, operating alongside Chiedozie Ogbene behind centre forward Troy Parrott. Youth, pace, and direct running sit right behind the main striker. It’s a bold selection against a Canada side stacked with top-level experience.
A reshaped back line
Ireland’s shape behind them carries its own intrigue. Corrie Ndaba, who also made his first senior appearance against Qatar, is trusted from the off at left wing back. He slots into a five-man defensive line that leans heavily on both experience and emerging talent.
Nathan Collins anchors the rearguard as captain, joined by Séamus Coleman, Jake O'Brien and James Abankwah, with Ndaba patrolling the left flank. For Abankwah, this is already cap number four, another small but significant step in a rapid rise.
Behind them, Mark Travers gets the nod in goal. Regular number one Caoimhín Kelleher is one of several players excused after the Qatar game by manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, opening the door for Travers to stake his claim against high-calibre opposition.
Canada roll out their stars
Canada, co-hosts of the next World Cup and eager to flex in front of their own crowd, 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 bite and craft: Tajon Buchanan, captain Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone and Liam Millar form a quartet capable of stretching any defence.
Up front, the threat is obvious and proven. Jonathan David and Cyle Larin lead the line, a strike partnership with goals at club and international level, and a serious test for Ireland’s reshaped back five.
A different kind of friendly
On paper, it’s a friendly. In reality, it feels like something more pointed for Ireland: a night where a domestic league player returns to the senior stage, a teenager from Benfica is asked to light up the flanks, and a new-look defence stands in front of Travers against a World Cup co-host.
For Devoy, Umeh and Ndaba in particular, this isn’t just another cap. It’s a chance to prove they belong in the next phase of Ireland’s story, under the floodlights of Montreal and against one of the teams preparing to host the world.
