Ian Darke lauds ‘revelation’ Terry Devlin after recent Portsmouth landmark
Portsmouth have navigated the Championship with mixed effect this year but are hopefully doing enough to stay afloat into next season.
Among the players to have impressed so far is Terry Devlin, who has found a new journey this season multiple times as a right-back.
The Northern Irish midfielder may now see a new route to long-term first-team action in the Championship with Pompey.
Devlin takes acclaim after committing to Portsmouth
Following recent news on a new Portsmouth contract for frontman Colby Bishop, the Blues are glad to get another one over the line with Devlin.
The versatile youngster has signed fresh terms at Fratton Park until 2028, bolstering Pompey’s options with a player who has really stepped up to the plate.
TV commentator and Blues fan Ian Darke, speaking exclusively to Pompey News, branded Devlin a “revelation”, believing his future lies in defence despite competition from several teammates.
“I could see Terry Devlin as a long-term right-back. I think he’s looked more effective playing in that position than he has in midfield,” Darke said.
“He’s still got some L plates on to some extent, but I think he’s a lot fitter, sharper and up to speed with what the Championship is now.
“He’s been something of a revelation when he’s come in at right-back; he’s dynamic and he’s actually pretty good in the air, which I never realised – better than some of the other players are at cutting aerial balls out. He’s one of those players who really works hard at it.”
Mousinho steering Blues towards safety
Devlin has played a huge hand this season in helping out John Mousinho through the injury troubles that have plagued Portsmouth this year.
His versatility has allowed his head coach to be able to at least box off one problem, and has been duly rewarded with his new contract.
| Terry Devlin – professional club career | Appearances | |
| 2019-2022 | Dungannon Swifts | 50 |
| 2022-2023 | Glentoran | 40 |
| 2023-present | Portsmouth | 51 |
It has not been easy for Devlin and he deserves immense credit for carving out a place in the team – that is at least the general consensus among the Fratton faithful, when many players have fallen by the wayside and ended up trying to rebuild their careers elsewhere.
The 21-year-old’s next aim after looking to secure Championship survival will be to earn a place in the full Northern Ireland national side, which is hopefully not too far away.