The Portsmouth manager, John Mousinho, expressed his satisfaction with the remarkable progress of 19-year-old Terry Devlin, who was previously sought after by clubs like Derby, Sunderland, Stoke, and Brentford.
In June, Portsmouth secured Devlin’s services in a £90,000 deal from Glentoran as part of their significant summer recruitment drive under Rich Hughes.
Despite being one of 14 new additions to the squad, Devlin has yet to start a League One match for Portsmouth.
However, he has made appearances as a substitute in five of their last six league games, and he even came off the bench for Northern Ireland Under-21s during a recent 1-0 victory against Azerbaijan in the Euro Under-21s qualifiers.
Mousinho commended Devlin’s development and expressed his confidence in the young Irishman.
Mousinho highlighted how they entrusted Devlin with crucial appearances in pressure-filled matches against strong opponents like Derby, Barnsley, and Wigan, and he praised Devlin’s contributions in these games.
Devlin’s adaptation to the intensity and demands of League One football has been impressive, considering his lack of prior experience at this level.
Mousinho also noted that Devlin’s ability to quickly integrate into the team and contribute effectively, despite being just 19 years old, is a testament to his talent and work ethic.
Although Devlin has not yet been given the opportunity to start a league match, Mousinho emphasized that this is not a reflection of his potential but rather a result of factors like the good form of his teammates and tactical adjustments.
Mousinho and the club management have a great deal of trust in Devlin, and they believe he has earned his place in the squad through his own efforts.
Despite the option to send a young player like Devlin out on loan or keep him on the sidelines, they appreciate the impact he has made and his determination to be involved with the team.
Devlin is currently away on international duty with the Northern Ireland Under-21s and continues to be a valuable asset for Portsmouth.
He has scored one goal in eight games since joining the club, and his consistent presence in the squad speaks to his growing importance to the team’s future.
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