Ian Darke ‘amazed’ after what he saw from Devlin amid international break news
Terry Devlin has been one of the most praised performers at Portsmouth this season and has shown an inspirational rise.
Demonstrating his work ethic and versatility, Devlin has carved out a key role in John Mousinho’s squad and has been rewarded with a call-up for the Northern Ireland senior side.
This huge international news was preceded by a new and improved contract for the 21-year-old, who has performed in numerous positions to bridge the gap for Portsmouth in an unprecedented injury crisis at Fratton Park.
Darke ‘amazed’ by what Mousinho did with Devlin
Ian Darke believes Portsmouth should be starting Devlin more, with the improvised right-back having been dipped in and out of the starting XI.
Having come on to replace Adil Aouchiche in a new territory against Leeds United (9 March) as a number 10, Devlin excelled in the fresh role having played as a full-back and a midfielder this term without any prior Championship experience.
TV commentator and Blues fan Darke, speaking exclusively to Pompey News, has admitted he was “amazed” that Devlin then did not play any part in the desperate defeat at Fratton by Plymouth Argyle three days later.
“The call-up is thoroughly deserved for Terry. He has been exuberant, effervescent and dynamic when he has played this season,” Darke explained.
“Most of the time when he’s had a chance, he’s taken it this season. I was pretty amazed that having done so well in the number 10 role against Leeds, Devlin wasn’t used at all against Plymouth when it kind of cried out for his energy. I think he’s deserved a few more starts than he’s had, but I’m so glad he’s been called up.
“Conor Bradley is missing and he’s a top-class right-back with the best team in the country, but it’s an honour for Devlin which he deserves.”
Portsmouth star ready to shine on international stage
Devlin will be feeling bittersweet regarding his club business at the moment, with his own performances inspiring many but Pompey showing little consistency with his game time, and the two recent defeats drawing his side back into the relegation scrap.
However, the call-up from Michael O’Neill will be a massive turn of focus and an opportunity to pull on his green and white shirt at senior level for the first time.
Devlin has been called up on the list of defenders, hinting he could be utilised primarily as a full-back – a position which was pretty alien to the Portsmouth ace in English football until a matter of months ago.
| Date | Northern Ireland fixtures in March | Venue |
| Fri 21 Mar (7:45pm) | Switzerland (H) | Windsor Park, Belfast |
| Tue 25 Mar (6pm) | Sweden (A) | Strawberry Arena, Stockholm |
Trai Hume of Sunderland has been a regular for O’Neill’s side, with Liverpool star Bradley missing through injury in what his manager admits is a “big blow” (Belfast Telegraph).
All at Portsmouth will be watching on intently to see whether Devlin is granted his debut in either of the two upcoming games against Switzerland (21 March) or Sweden (25 March) – but above all will pray he comes back unscathed.