Dawson Devoy Leads Ireland in Six Changes for Canada Test

Heimir Hallgrimsson has rolled the dice in Montreal. Six changes, a new captain in green and a bold nod to the League of Ireland as the Republic of Ireland face World Cup co-hosts Canada at Saputo Stadium.

At the heart of it all is Dawson Devoy. The Bohemians skipper, fresh from domestic duty and absent from last Thursday’s win over Qatar, walks straight into central midfield and straight into history. At 24, he becomes the first current League of Ireland player to feature for the senior side since Jack Byrne in November 2020. It is a rare and pointed endorsement of the domestic game.

Devoy partners Conor Coventry in the middle, a pairing tasked with knitting together a side that has been heavily rotated after the Qatar victory at Aviva Stadium. Hallgrimsson has released a number of his Qatar starters, including first-choice goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, and handed the gloves to Mark Travers.

Out wide, the future gets its stage. Jaden Umeh, the 18-year-old Benfica winger who caught the eye off the bench against Qatar, is promoted to his first senior start. He operates in support of centre forward Troy Parrott, dovetailing with Chiedozie Ogbene in the pockets behind the front man. It is an attacking trio built on movement and sharp running rather than sheer physical presence.

Behind them, the shape stiffens. Corrie Ndaba, another who made his senior bow in the Qatar game, starts at left wing-back. He slots into a five-man defensive line that leans on experience and promise in equal measure. Nathan Collins wears the armband at the heart of it, with Séamus Coleman offering his vast know-how alongside Jake O'Brien and James Abankwah, who collects just his fourth cap.

Travers stands behind that rearguard, charged with marshalling a defence that will have plenty to think about against a Canadian side rich in attacking talent.

Canada, co-hosts of the next World Cup and building momentum of their own, line up with Maxime Crepeau in goal. Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius and Richie Laryea form the back four. The midfield belongs to captain Stephen Eustaquio, flanked by Tajon Buchanan, Ismael Kone and Liam Millar, while Jonathan David and Cyle Larin spearhead the attack – a front line proven at the highest level.

Kick-off comes at 12.45am Irish time, an awkward hour at home but a significant one for those on the pitch. For Devoy, it is a landmark. For Umeh, a first real audition. For Hallgrimsson, a chance to see if this new blend of domestic grit and overseas polish can stand up to World Cup-bound opposition on their own turf.