Terry Devlin namedrops Liverpool star after new Portsmouth contract
Terry Devlin has revealed his next aim in an interview after signing his new Portsmouth contract.
The Northern Irishman, 21, has become something of a utility player at Fratton Park this season as he adapts well to the Championship, most often filling in as a functional right-back.
John Mousinho and the Blues have rewarded Devlin with a new Portsmouth deal until 2028, which will be on improved terms from his original contract on the South Coast.
Devlin makes Liverpool ace comparison
Portsmouth will take a break from their busy Championship schedule later this month for the first international period of 2025.
Devlin, who has represented his native Northern Ireland at youth level, is now seeking his first breakthrough into the full squad, which he sees in a “utility” role.
Having excelled most prominently as a full-back in recent months, Devlin would find himself with competition from Conor Bradley of Liverpool and Sunderland’s Trai Hume to start in his recently-found position.
“This season I’m a right-back, but I’ll never shy from the chance to play in new positions. It’s really good to be able to play in more than one role,” Devlin told BBC Radio Solent.
“My next goal is to be involved in the full international setup. If it doesn’t come in March, hopefully it comes in the summer.
“There are two really good players in front of me in Conor Bradley and Trai Hume, so hopefully I can be brought in as a utility player or someone who can play in a couple of positions.”
Portsmouth defensive fitness woes
At present, there are three realistic right-back options at Portsmouth, as Devlin moulds himself into the role and joins competition including Jordan Williams and Zak Swanson.
The duo have both had injury issues this year – Williams remains out – and it has really been the tip of the iceberg for Mousinho.
Centre-half has been the position where the Portsmouth head coach has exhausted so many options. Conor Shaughnessy missed five months, returned and is now sidelined again; Hayden Matthews will miss the rest of the season, and Rob Atkinson – excellent since arriving in January – is on the treatment table.
| Terry Devlin – international record | CAPS | CLEAN SHEETS | GOALS |
| Northern Ireland Under-21s | 11 | 4 | 0 |
Marlon Pack partnered Regan Poole in the heart of the defence in last weekend’s defeat to Luton as Pompey reassess their options once more, and it cannot be ruled out that Devlin gets drafted into another new role in central defence.
Devlin’s versatility has been superb this season – a real highlight of Portsmouth returning to the second tier – and could earn him a useful place in the next Northern Ireland squad.