Dawson Devoy Makes History for League of Ireland in Canada Friendly

Dawson Devoy will stride out in Montreal tonight carrying more than the captain’s armband of Bohemians. He carries a small piece of history for the League of Ireland.

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 becomes the first current League of Ireland player to feature for the senior team since Jack Byrne did so in November 2020. For a domestic league often overlooked on the international stage, his selection is a pointed statement.

Devoy, unavailable for last Thursday’s friendly win over Qatar at the Aviva Stadium because of club commitments, comes straight into central midfield alongside Conor Coventry. It is a big stage, a late-night kick-off at 12.45am Irish time, and a major opportunity to show he belongs in this company.

Beside him in the spotlight is another fresh face. Jaden Umeh, the 18-year-old Benfica winger who came off the bench against Qatar for his first cap, has been handed his first senior start. He will operate in support of centre forward Troy Parrott, dovetailing with Chiedozie Ogbene in an attacking line designed to test a Canadian defence packed with top-level experience.

At the back, the evolution continues. Corrie Ndaba, who also debuted against Qatar, is trusted from the off at left wing-back. He slots into a five-man rearguard that includes captain Nathan Collins, Séamus Coleman, Jake O'Brien and James Abankwah. For Abankwah, this is already cap number four, another step in a rapid rise.

Behind them, Mark Travers gets the nod in goal. Regular number one Caoimhín Kelleher is among several players excused after the Qatar game by manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, who uses this North American test to stretch his squad and deepen his options.

The opposition is no soft touch. Canada, gearing up as co-hosts for the next World Cup, roll out a strong XI: Maxime Crepeau in goal; a back line of Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius and Richie Laryea; a midfield unit of Tajon Buchanan, captain Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone and Liam Millar; with Jonathan David and Cyle Larin forming a formidable strike partnership.

For Ireland, it is a friendly on paper. For Devoy, Umeh, Ndaba and Abankwah, it feels like something much bigger.