Bohemians captain Dawson Devoy and Jaden Umeh are among six changes to the Republic of Ireland starting team for tonight’s friendly against World Cup co-hosts Canada in Montreal.
Debutant Devoy, who was not involved in last Thursday’s friendly win over Qatar at Aviva Stadium due to club commitments, joins Conor Coventry in central midfield.
The 24-year-old will be the first current League of Ireland player to take to the pitch for the Irish senior team since Jack Byrne in November 2020.
Eighteen-year-old Benfica winger Umeh, who made his debut as a second-half substitute in that victory, will make his first start for the Irish senior team at the Saputo Stadium, in a support role alongside fellow wideman Chiedozie Ogbene behind centre forward Troy Parrott.
Corrie Ndaba, who also made his first senior international appearance against Qatar, starts at left wing back, as part of a five-man rearguard alongside captain Nathan Collins, Séamus Coleman, Jake O’Brien and James Abankwah, the latter earning his fourth senior cap.
Mark Travers starts in goal, with number one Caoimhín Kelleher among a host of players excused for duty following the Qatar game by manager Heimir Hallgrimsson.
Kick off will be at 12.45am Irish time.
Canada: Maxime Crepeau; Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea; Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustaquio (capt), Ismael Kone, Liam Millar; Jonathan David, Cyle Larin.
Republic of Ireland: Mark Travers; Séamus Coleman, Jake O’Brien, Nathan Collins (capt), James Abankwah, Corrie Ndaba; Conor Coventry, Dawson Devoy; Chiedozie Ogbene, Jaden Umeh; Troy Parrott.