Devenny receives first Northern Ireland call-up

Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny has been called up to the Northern Ireland squad for the first time for the forthcoming Nations League double-header against Belarus and Luxembourg.

His addition to manager Michael O’Neill’s group completes a memorable couple of days for the 21-year-old after he made his Premier League debut for Palace against Fulham at the weekend.

The Scotland-born player, who qualifies for Northern Ireland through his mother, played from the start in his club’s 2-0 defeat by Fulham at Selhurst Park on Saturday before being substituted after 74 minutes.

Devenny was a regular for Northern Ireland’s under-21 team during their recent European Championship qualifying campaign and comes highly recommended by their manager Tommy Wright.

“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,” explained O’Neill.

“Obviously Justin having made his Premier League debut has accelerated things and, with there not being a U21 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.”