'Absolutely immense. Gonna become a star. Some player': Portsmouth midfielder lauded following starring role on international stage
Pompey midfielder Terry Devlin will have been buzzing after his ‘man-of-the-match’ performance helped Northern Ireland under-21s secure a surprise goalless draw with England in their Euro 2025 U21 qualifier on Friday night.
So imagine how thrilled the Blues favourite would have been, too, if he happened to check social media following his display against some of the brightest talent this country had to offer.
The young Three Lions boasted the likes of John McAtee, Jonathan Rowe, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers and Jarell Quansah in their ranks for the game at the Ballymena Showgrounds.
But it was 20-year-old Devlin who fans were talking about afterwards as he put in another stereotypical shift that has made him greatly appreciated by both Blues boss John Mousinho and the Fratton faithful.
The former Glentoran midfiielder wasn’t in the Pompey match-day squad for last Saturday’s Championship defeat at the hands of Sunderland, as he was made to watch on from the stands.
However, it will be hard for Mousinho to ignore him for next weekend’s visit of West Brom, with supporters both here and across the Irish Sea lauding the latest performance of the industrious player.
Here’s a selection of the views shared on X, formerly Twitter, after Devlin outperformed his more illustrious opponents and was hailed as a Northern Ireland hero.
@Buntingfootball: Terry Devlin was absolutely immense there, precise in his play. Dealt with everything pretty comfortably, so good and aware whilst he was in possession. Really assured performance can see how much he has matured since the move to Portsmouth and building continually on that.
@PadraigMarshall: Superb performance, Terry Devlin absolutely magnificent.
@Mitchell_GFC: How good was Terry Devlin for the u21’s last night? Gutted we could only keep him for a year but think he’s another big move in him yet.
@FredsDotW: Watching Northern Ireland U21 v England U21, #Pompey's Terry Devlin MOTM by a country mile. Defended superbly, got his tackles in, excellent positional sense at RWB and part of a solid defensive unit. Brilliant to see how he's grown since signing last year.
@cmadams18: Terry Devlin will have won himself a lot of new admirers tonight.
@Jake03PFC: I just love seeing Terry Devlin praise, blokes gonna become a star.
@WebbJ96: Some serious praise for Terry Devlin against a very very good England side. What a boy.
@1867max: Terry Devlin, some player.
@blueheart6985: Terry Devlin - what a player!
@alid7997: Terry Devlin not be far off a senior call up, been excellent here!