The 18-year-old, who was a regular in the Under-21s for his nation before joining us from St Patrick’s Athletic in January, was given his first call-up by international boss Heimir Hallgrimsson earlier this month and made his debut as a late substitute in their previous friendly, which was at home to Qatar.
Melia and co then travelled over to North America, where several friendlies are being played ahead of this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, to face Jesse Marsch’s Canada in their final warm-up game before hosting the tournament.
The hosts took the lead in Montreal after a tricky Stephen Eustaquio corner caught the Irish defence off guard after 23 minutes, with the ball bouncing off the chest of Everton defender Jake O’Brien and travelling into their own net.
Chiedozie Ogbene pulled the visitors back level on the hour mark, though, converting on the rebound after Maxime Crepeau dived the right way and denied former Spurs striker Troy Parrott from the penalty spot.
Melia was introduced ten minutes later, replacing Benfica’s Jaden Umeh and joining Parrott in attack for the final 20 minutes of the match. The forward had the chance to steal the victory late on, being found by Ogbene in the penalty area on the counterattack 83 minutes in, but saw his low effort saved by a charging Crepeau.