Bohemians captain Dawson Devoy will remain with the club for games against Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers before linking up with the Ireland squad ahead of the Canada friendly in Montreal.
Devoy will not be part of the Republic of Ireland squad for next week’s friendly against Qatar after an agreement was reached for the midfielder to remain with his club for two League of Ireland fixtures.
While Devoy’s inclusion in Republic of Ireland national football team manager Heimir Hallgrímsson’s senior squad had already been confirmed earlier last week week, Bohemians have now confirmed that the 24-year-old will only join up with the international set up next Saturday ahead of Ireland’s friendly away to Canada in Montreal on June 6.
That means Devoy will remain available for Bohs upcoming League of Ireland clashes at home to Shamrock Rovers on Monday and away to Sligo Rovers on Friday.
The Qatar friendly falls outside the international window, something Bohemians manager Alan Reynolds admitted created complications for both club and country.
“Whenever a player gets international recognition, as a club we want to put their name up in lights because it’s a huge honour and one they have really worked hard for,”Reynolds said.
You want them to enjoy the moment and to enjoy the deserved praise that comes with it.
“But when the Ireland squad was named on Monday, we had to pause and check what the implications were for everyone – ourselves as a team and club, Dawson himself and obviously the international set-up and manager as well.”
Reynolds reiterated that the club fully supports players representing their country but felt discussions were needed due to the unusual timing of the fixture.
“I have said repeatedly that I never want to stand in any player’s way when it comes to representing their country – we want our players getting international recognition. But the Qatar game falling outside the international window added a complication.
Following talks with Hallgrímsson, an agreement was reached that allows Devoy to feature in both of Bohs’ league matches before travelling to Canada.
“Thankfully we have spoken to Heimir who respects our league and knows how important it is for us to have Dawson available for us for two big league games next week,” Reynolds added.
“The correct decision was made that he will link up with the Ireland squad after those games and we are really looking forward now to our own games ahead, and looking forward to Dawson showing what he can do with the Ireland set-up afterwards.”
Dawson Devoy described the call-up itself as “a proud moment” for both him and his family and said he is excited by the opportunity to train with the senior squad.
“This is a proud moment for me and my family,” Devoy said.
“It has been a dream of mine since I was a kid to play for my country, so I’m looking forward to the opportunity of linking up with the squad, showing the manager what I can do in training, and hopefully getting an opportunity.”
If Dawson Devoy features against Canada, he will become the first Bohemians player to be capped at senior level for Ireland since Glen Crowe in November 2002.