Advertisement

Crystal Palace boss hails rising Northern Ireland star Justin Devenny after first Premier League goal

steven crawford
·2-min read
A picture of Crystal Palace's Justin Devenny (second left) celebrating with team-mates after scoring their side's second goal of the game
-Credit: (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)


Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner was beaming over Justin Devenny after the Northern Ireland international scored a first-ever Premier League goal to earn his side a draw with Aston Villa.

It's been a whirlwind few weeks for the 21-year-old as he followed his debut for the Eagles in the 2-0 defeat to Fulham by being called up to the Northern Ireland senior squad for the first time.

Michael O'Neill handed the midfielder his international debut in the closing stages of last Monday night's 2-2 draw in Luxembourg.

READ NEXT: Portadown star labelled 'best in the league' as Niall Currie revels in derby win

READ NEXT: Irish League RECAP as Joe Gormley bags another hat-trick and Portadown take derby honours

Glasner retained the highly-rated Devenny in the starting XI for Saturday's trip to Villa Park and he repaid his manager's faith in him scoring in the thrilling encounter with Unai Emery's side.

“He came from our academy and was with us in pre-season and he showed here he’s an unbelievable footballer," said Glasner. “He’s very technical but he can also run a lot and he can play four positions in our system.

“If you’re a quality player who works so hard then you get your reward. But he’s still at the beginning so we keep him back so he can develop in the right way.”

Devenny has been a regular part of Tommy Wright’s Under-21 squad and is well-regarded by senior boss O'Neill.

“The number of players we have pushed through from the 21s in the past 12 months is extremely high and Justin has been on that pathway," said O'Neill after calling the 21-year-old into the squad for the Nations League double-header.

“Obviously Justin having made his Premier League debut has accelerated things and with there not being a U21s camp in this international window it’s great to have him in. We know what he is capable of and it’s a good opportunity for him.”

Join Belfast Live’s new Irish League WhatsApp group. Click this link to receive the latest Irish League headlines and breaking news direct to your phone. We also treat our members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our group, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice