Justin Devenny: Northern Ireland & Crystal Palace Form
Devenny Embraces Wing-Back Role in Northern Ireland Defeat
Updated June 08, 2025
Crystal Palace’s Justin Devenny welcomed the challenge of playing wing-back for Northern Ireland despite their 2-1 defeat to Denmark in a friendly match Saturday. The international friendly in Copenhagen saw manager Michael O’Neill give the 21-year-old his first start in the wing-back position.
Devenny, fresh off an FA Cup win with Crystal Palace, delivered a strong performance, contributing to Northern Ireland’s early goal while contending with Gustav Isaksen of Lazio.
“it was a new position for me, but I enjoyed it,” Devenny said, regarding his fourth cap. ”Wherever I play for the team, I’m willing to do a shift.” He added that O’Neill had discussed the possibility and that his familiarity with the role at Palace helped him adapt.
O’Neill noted that Devenny’s comfort with the ball provided a valuable option on the field. He previously deployed Brodie Spencer,a right-footed player,on the left side.
“I thought he did really well,” O’Neill said. “He gave us a nice outlet on the left-hand side as well in terms of his use of the ball, so he was a big, big positive.”
What’s next
Devenny looks forward to future opportunities to contribute to the team, irrespective of the position he is asked to play, as Northern Ireland continues its international campaign.
