Ireland will finish off their season in Canada in the early hours of Saturday morning, with Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side taking on the 2026 World Cup hosts in Montreal.
When this fixture was originally arranged, it was hoped that it would act as a final warmup ahead of the tournament in North America. It now takes on a very different meaning, with a hugely inexperienced squad travelling across the Atlantic for the fixture hoping to stake their claim for a place in the group ahead of the UEFA Nations League.
With that in mind, here is the Ireland team we would like to see for the game.
READ ALSO: Two Irish Sports Prodigies Among Those Starting Leaving Cert Exams Today
READ ALSO: FAI Cup Round Two Draw Confirmed: Giant Killings On The Cards And Repeat of Last Year’s Final
The Ireland Team We Want To See vs Canada
Formation: 3-4-2-1
This formation is here to stay, so there’s no point straying from it here.
GK: Mark Travers
With Caoimhín Kelleher not part of the squad for this game, Mark Travers is likely to start.
He could do with the minutes, having acted as a backup at Everton this season.
CB: Jake O’Brien
Jake O’Brien could probably do with a rest after a very busy season at Everton, but the fact he has been included in the squad suggests he will be involved in this game.
The Cork man has really nailed down his place in the team over the last 12 months and will be a key player for Ireland moving forward.
CB: Nathan Collins
Nathan Collins scored Ireland’s only goal against Qatar and will be aiming to end the season on a high in Montreal.
He is expect to captain the side in their final game of the season.
CB: James Abankwah
James Abankwah has looked impressive in the limited minutes he has played at international level up to this point. As a result, it would be good to get a look at him from the start in this fixture.
The Watford man has a big job on his hands to break into that back three, but he is still just 22-years old and has a long future in green ahead of him.
RWB: Seamus Coleman
Recommended
Having had hardly any football at club level this season, you get the sense Seamus Coleman would love to get another start under his belt in this fixture.
It looks likely that the 37-year old will continue his international career next season, although it remains to be seen where he will be playing his club football.
CM: Conor Coventry
Conor Coventry made his first Ireland start in the game against Grenada last month and will be hoping to get more minutes under his belt in this game.
Now 26-years old, the Charlton Athletic star has struggled to nail down a place in the squad in recent seasons. The trip to Canada will be a good opportunity to show what he can offer in green moving forward.
CM: Jamie McGrath
Coming off the back of a strong season at Hibernian, Jamie McGrath put in a good performance in the win over Qatar last week.
The Meath man is another player who will look to stake his claim for a place in the squad after being in and out of the setup over the last few seasons.
LWB: Corrie Ndaba
Having made his debut with a cameo off the bench against Qatar, Corrie Ndaba could get an opportunity from the start in Canada.
The Dubliner has had quite the journey in his career, playing at a number of lower league clubs before moving to Scotland and then Italy last summer. His form in Serie A with Lecce suggests he could have quite a bit to offer Ireland moving forward.
FW: Chiedozie Ogbene
Another player who could do with more minutes in the legs after a lack of opportunities at club level this season, Chiedozie Ogbene is likely to start once again in Canada.
The Cork man will then have to sort out his club future over the coming weeks.
FW: Jaden Umeh
After an eye-catching cameo against Qatar, it would be brilliant to see Jaden Umeh in from the start for this one.
The Benfica youngster looks like one of the most talented players Ireland have produced in quite some time and will hopefully have a huge future in green over the next decade or so.
ST: Troy Parrott
On the back of a career year at club and international level, Troy Parrott will look to cap off the season with another big display in this game.
It is likely to the striker’s last Ireland appearance as an AZ Alkmaar player, with a big move in the offing this summer.
Team In Full
This team has a good balance of youth and experience, with some exciting young players complimented by a number of established Ireland stars.
Here’s hoping for a good performance to finish off what has been an encouraging 12 months under Heimir Hallgrimsson.
SEE ALSO: Report – Sinclair Armstrong Has Agreed Unexpected European Transfer