Devoy Leads Six Changes for Ireland in Canada Test

Heimir Hallgrimsson has ripped up his winning team sheet and gone bold in Montreal, handing a first senior start to Bohemians captain Dawson Devoy and teenage winger Jaden Umeh as the Republic of Ireland face World Cup co-hosts Canada at Saputo Stadium.

Six changes, a different feel, and a clear message: this friendly matters for the future as much as the result.

Devoy breaks League of Ireland drought

Devoy’s inclusion is a landmark in itself. The 24-year-old, unavailable for last Thursday’s victory over Qatar at Aviva Stadium because of club commitments, steps straight into central midfield alongside Conor Coventry.

When he walks onto the pitch, he will become the first current League of Ireland player to feature for the senior side since Jack Byrne in November 2020. Four years without a home-based outfield player in green; Devoy snaps that run in a city far from Dublin but on a night that will be watched closely back home.

He is not eased in either. Central midfield against a high-energy Canadian side, away from home, under the lights. It is a statement selection.

Umeh’s rapid rise

On the flanks, the spotlight swings to Jaden Umeh. The 18-year-old Benfica winger only made his debut as a second-half substitute in that win over Qatar. Now he is promoted to his first senior start.

Umeh lines up in a support role, working off the flanks alongside Chiedozie Ogbene and operating just behind centre forward Troy Parrott. There is pace, direct running and plenty of ambition in that trio. If Ireland are to hurt Canada, it is likely to come from their movement and sharpness between the lines.

For Umeh, this is a swift escalation: from debut off the bench at Aviva to starting against World Cup co-hosts in Montreal within days. Hallgrimsson is clearly ready to trust youth.

New look at the back

There is change right through the side. Corrie Ndaba, who also tasted his first senior international minutes against Qatar, now steps into the starting XI at left wing-back.

He forms part of a five-man rearguard in front of goalkeeper Mark Travers. Captain Nathan Collins anchors the defence, joined by Séamus Coleman, Jake O'Brien and James Abankwah, with Ndaba providing width on the left.

Abankwah, still only at the beginning of his international journey, collects his fourth senior cap. Coleman’s presence brings experience and authority to a back line that blends seasoned heads with emerging talent.

Travers, handed the gloves with number one Caoimhín Kelleher excused after the Qatar game, has a chance to stake his claim again. Several regulars have been allowed to step aside for this window’s second fixture, opening the door for those on the fringes to make their case.

Canada roll out their stars

Ireland will not have it easy. Canada name a strong side befitting their status as World Cup co-hosts.

Maxime Crepeau starts in goal, protected by a back line of Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius and Richie Laryea. In midfield, captain Stephen Eustaquio sits alongside Ismael Kone, with Tajon Buchanan and Liam Millar offering threat from wide areas.

Up front, Jonathan David and Cyle Larin form a potent strike partnership, the kind of test that will stretch Ireland’s reshaped defence from the first whistle.

Kick-off comes at 12.45am Irish time, an awkward hour for viewers at home but a significant checkpoint in Hallgrimsson’s early tenure. With a League of Ireland playmaker in the middle, a teenage winger let loose, and a back line still learning each other’s habits, this is more than a friendly. It is an audition for what Ireland want to become.