Terry Devlin expresses ‘love’ for Portsmouth after new Northern Ireland call
Terry Devlin has shone through when others have struggled at Portsmouth this season, proving himself vital for John Mousinho.
While easily referred to as a midfielder this time last year, Devlin has proven himself adept in all manner of positions – particularly as a right-back at Fratton Park.
Like many, this term is Devlin’s first at Championship level, and he has put in some dedicated and worthy performances which have now offered him another deserved chance altogether.
Devlin gives Portsmouth glory amid international news
Devlin has not always been a consistent starter for Mousinho at Portsmouth, but has shown himself to be one of the most reliable members of the squad.
He plays with a commitment, versatility and maturity which lie beyond his tender age of 21, having made the move from his native Northern Ireland to a League One Pompey side as a fringe player in 2023.
Devlin has now been called up by Michael O’Neill for the full Northern Ireland squad, as they take on Switzerland and Sweden this week.
Called up among the list of defenders with Liverpool star Conor Bradley out, Devlin is determined to take his opportunity, having previously been a stand-in for the senior side in training from the Under-21 squad.
He certainly hasn’t forgotten Pompey this week either, praising the fans at Fratton Park for their respect of his progress this year.
“I was buzzing when I got the email with the full call-up after coming up to train last time,” Devlin explained via the official Northern Ireland X page (20 March).
“It’s a new squad now, and it was really good to get called into it. It should be that motivation for the Under-21s.
“Everyone wants to play for their country as there are so many great players who don’t get to do it. Every time I’ve played, I’ve given my all, and Portsmouth fans respect that so much. I love playing for the club.”
Mousinho hoping for clean bill of health
Mousinho will be watching intently in the hope that all of his international stars return unscathed for the task ahead in the Championship.
With eight games left and Pompey now just four points above the relegation zone, there remains work to do, but the Blues should have enough in the tank.
| Portsmouth players on international duty | Nation |
| Kusini Yengi | Australia |
| Terry Devlin | Northern Ireland |
| Isaac Hayden | Jamaica |
| Mark O’Mahony | Republic of Ireland U21 |
This will especially be the case if the quartet of first-teamers currently away from Copnor Road can come back sharp and firing.
Australia played in Sydney on Thursday morning but left Kusini Yengi on the bench as they thrashed Indonesia 5-1. Hayden Matthews’ injury means he has not travelled.