Crystal Palace Midfielder Justin Devenny Earns First Senior Northern Ireland Call-Up

Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny has received his inaugural call-up to the senior Northern Ireland squad. This selection is for the upcoming Nations League double-header, which includes matches against Belarus and Luxembourg. This inclusion in manager Michael O’Neill’s roster marks the culmination of a significant period for the 21-year-old, following his Premier League debut for Palace against Fulham over the weekend. The player, born in Scotland but eligible for Northern Ireland via his mother, started for his club in their 2-0 loss to Fulham at Selhurst Park on Saturday, being replaced after 74 minutes. Devenny consistently featured for Northern Ireland’s under-21 squad throughout their recent European Championship qualifying campaign and received strong endorsements from their manager, Tommy Wright. O’Neill stated, “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.” He further added, “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.” In a squad update issued by Northern Ireland on Monday, it was also disclosed that Rangers winger Ross McCausland is a doubt due to injury for Friday’s match against Belarus at Windsor Park, as well as for an away fixture against Luxembourg scheduled for Monday 18 November. McCausland participated in Rangers’ Scottish Premiership game against Hearts on Sunday but could not train on Monday due to a minor injury. Northern Ireland currently leads Nations League C Group 3, holding seven points from their four matches played so far, comprising two victories, one draw, and one loss. Belarus occupies second place with six points, Bulgaria is third with five, and Luxembourg is at the bottom with two points. The previous month, O’Neill’s team secured a 0-0 draw in Belarus, which was then followed by a dominant 5-0 win against Bulgaria in Belfast.