Hibs midfielder kicked in head during friendly - but second-half cameo comes up trumps
Playmaker earns 15th cap in Toronto
Hibs midfielder Jamie McGrath played a key role for Republic of Ireland as they drew 1-1 with World Cup co-hosts Canada in Toronto.
Winning his 15th cap for his country, McGrath came off the bench at half-time and earned a penalty for the visitors as they signed off their season with a stalemate against the Canadians.
An own goal by Ireland defender Jake O’Brien had given Canada the lead, but the Irish battled back and levelled on the hour mark when Chiedozie Ogbene netted the rebound from a missed penalty.
McGrath was a late call-up to the Ireland squad, and after playing the full 90 minutes against Qatar last time out, he made big impression in the second half, taking a sore kick to the head that earned the Irish their spot-kick.
Ireland have now lost just once in their last eight games, including five wins, with the only defeat against the Czech Republic on penalties in the World Cup play-offs.
Canada, who handed a start to Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston, went ahead midway through the first half when a corner was flicked on by Troy Parrott and found the Irish net via the unfortunate O’Brien. However, O’Brien made amends with a good block to deny Hull’s Liam Millar as the hosts threatened to stretch their lead before the interval.
Ireland were given a route back into the match just before the hour when McGrath was caught by a high foot in the box by Cyle Larin. Parrott’s penalty was well saved by Maxime Crepeau, but Ipswich winger Ogbene won the race to sweep the loose ball into the net.
Larin went close to restoring Canada’s lead, while Crepeau produced another fine save to deny Tottenham’s Mason Melia a goal on his second cap.
Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson handed debuts to Dawson Devoy, Kian Leavy and Adam Brennan – the first League of Ireland players to be capped since 2020 – and Joe Hodge.