Latest news with #Devenny
Daily Record
11-08-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
I'm the Scottish star who downed Liverpool at Wembley but have been poached by Northern Ireland
Irvine youngster Justin Devenny slammed in the winner for Crystal Palace in the Charity Shield win against Liverpool Scotland may have missed out on Justin Devenny but the Crystal Palace star wasn't going to make the same mistake from the spot at Wembley. The former Kilmarnock academy kid slammed in the winning penalty for the Eagles as they shocked Liverpool to win the Charity Shield on the back of their incredible FA Cup triumph over Man City back in May. And it added another chapter to the sensational story of this youngster from Irvine. Devenny has completed a remarkable rise from the depths of Scottish football to the very pinnacle of the English game – and been poached by Northern Ireland in the process. The 21-year-old had a spell at Broomhill in the Lowland League when part of the Rugby Park ranks and then joined Airdrie in League One before being spotted by Palace's eagle-eyed Scottish scouts. The £150,000 shock move down south led to him impressing with the Under-23s before breaking into the first team – where he made 23 appearances last term on his way to picking up a historic FA Cup winner's medal. Devenny was at it again on Sunday, sticking up his hand to take the crucial fifth spot kick. And he didn't disappoint as he found the net to spark wild celebrations. Devenny had nerves of steel – and he revealed his grit was forged in the lower leagues in Scotland. The youngster's only other spot kick in his pro career came in Airdrie's 6-5 shootout win against Hamilton in 2023 to escape the third tier and claim a place in the Championship. Devenny said: 'I've taken one professional penalty, which was in the play-off final for Airdrie three years ago. 'It wasn't quite this, there were a few thousand there. But it's the same thing at the end of the day, taking a penalty. Did I score that one? Of course!' Devenny has always believed he could crack the big time – and had no doubts stepping up in front of 82,000 fans at Wembley. He said: 'I was confident and I believe in myself. I put my name down before. I didn't have to take a penalty, but I wanted to. 'I wanted to be the fifth one, I wanted to be the one that scored and win it. "He (manager Oliver Glasner) was asking who wanted to take a penalty and I said: 'I will take one' 'I was quite happy that it was in front of the Liverpool fans, you are going to get the abuse and the noise – but it is just about staying in the zone. 'Thankfully I scored, the emotions were great, I didn't know how to celebrate, it was almost too much to take in. It's a great feeling. 'I'm playing the sport I love for a living. These are the moments you want to be part of. 'Anyone would say yeah to have the chance to take the winning penalty in the Community Shield final. I was lucky enough to do it.' Devenny rammed home from the spot – and plunged another dagger in the hearts of the Tartan Army. The midfielder was whipped away by the Northern Irish from right under his horn nation's noses before he even got to Palace. Devenny came through the SFA performance school system but the summons came from over the water after an instant impact with Airdrie. Former St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright – who was part of the Northern Ireland youth set up – had been tracking the kid even longer after learning about his Belfast born granny. Scotland missed the boat and Palace stepped in soon after – with Devenny making his senior debut in the Nations League days in the same week he became the youngster scorer for the Eagles in the top flight with his strike against Aston Villa. The midfielder's career has started to soar and admitted he has no regrets at flying over the Irish Sea. Devenny said: 'Northern Ireland showed trust in me. It was an easy enough decision for me although I am Scottish – you can hear it in my voice – I have really enjoyed my time with Northern Ireland. They showed that trust.'
Otago Daily Times
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Palace upset Liverpool to win more silverware
Crystal Palace beat Premier League champions Liverpool 3-2 on penalties to win the Community Shield after an entertaining 2-2 draw at Wembley last night. Palace keeper Dean Henderson reprised his penalty-saving heroics from their FA Cup final triumph to get his team over the line. Substitute Justin Devenny scored the winning spot kick, after Mohamed Salah skied the Reds' first penalty and Henderson – who saved an Omar Marmoush penalty as Palace won their first major trophy against Manchester City in May – then saved efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott. "They were 2-1 up, you would think we were out of the game," Henderson said. "The manager said we would get chances in the second half ... and we deserved that in the end." New recruit Hugo Ekitike had put Liverpool ahead inside four minutes after he and record signing Florian Wirtz combined beautifully before the Frenchman produced a superb finish. But Palace deservedly levelled in the 17th minute, Jean-Philippe Mateta sending Alisson the wrong way from the penalty spot after Virgil van Dijk brought down Ismaila Sarr. New signing Jeremie Frimpong restored the Reds' lead, as Liverpool fans marked the death of Portugal forward Diogo Jota with 20 minutes on the clock in honour of his shirt number, sending an attempted cross looping in off the post. Palace boss Oliver Glasner has said his side need additions to remain competitive and will have been concerned to see midfielder Daichi Kamada go off injured inside half an hour. The Eagles posed a threat on the counter and kept themselves in the game, although Ekitike spurned two decent chances to extend Liverpool's lead in the early stages of the second half. "We could have maybe scored the third one in the first 15 to 20 minutes after halftime but we didn't, we kept them alive," Liverpool boss Arne Slot said. Palace's England forward Eberechi Eze tested Alisson with a low shot before the Londoners equalised again with 13 minutes to play, Sarr slotting past the onrushing Alisson. Palace nearly grabbed a winner at the end, with Mac Allister perhaps fortunate to have a VAR referral for handball in the box go his way before Devenny nearly scored in added time, as the traditional season curtain-raiser went to penalties. Devenny got the winner in the shootout with an emphatic penalty to give Palace a third victory at Wembley in a row. Glasner said he was "very happy with the squad", though he added that this season's European campaign – with Palace expected to find out on Monday if it will be in the Europa League or Conference League – will increase demands. He revealed that Northern Ireland midfielder Devenny had even volunteered for the pressure penalty. "Justin came (to me and said) 'I'll take it, I'll take the last one'," the Palace manager said, complimenting the 21-year-old's confidence.
Scottish Sun
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Former SPFL star nets winning penalty to lift trophy over Liverpool as fans lay praise on youngster
A former Celtic star was amongst those who missed their spot kicks SPOT KICK HERO Former SPFL star nets winning penalty to lift trophy over Liverpool as fans lay praise on youngster Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A YOUNG ex-SPFL star scored the winner in a penalty shootout today to upset Liverpool and pick up some silverware. Goals from new signings Hugo Ekitike and former Celtic ace Jeremie Frimpong weren't enough for Arne Slot's side to get the job done in regular time. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Crystal Palace beat Liverpool on penalties to lift the Community Shield Credit: Getty 4 Justin Devenny netted the winning spot kick after being subbed on late Credit: TNT Sports 4 He broke through at Airdrieonians, previously playing for Kilmarnock and Broomhill Credit: Kenny Ramsay Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr scored two for Crystal Palace in response to tie the score and take the Community Shield to pens at Wembley Stadium. Major stars like Mohammed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliot, and Eberechi Eze all failed to put them away, and it was Justin Devenny who stepped up to win it for the Eagles. The midfielder was only subbed on at the death of the match as the likelihood of a shootout became evident. The 21-year-old has been making a name for himself at Selhurst Park since moving from Airdrieonians in 2023 for whom he made over 50 appearances. Prior to that, Devenny was playing for lower league side Broomhill on loan from Kilmarnock, where he started his career. After spending some time playing for Palace's under-21s, he's now went on to make almost 30 appearances for the senior team. The opportunity to lift the Community Shield came to them by previously winning the FA Cup back in May. Eze scored the only goal in that game against Manchester City in another major upset by the London outfit, which brought the first major trophy in their history. The ex-Killie boy didn't come off the bench in the final but was involved in the route there, scoring versus Doncaster Rovers in an earlier stage. The Scottish FA JD Performance Schools' social media page took the opportunity to congratulate Devenny on his winning spot kick and honour, as one of their graduates. SunSport's Martin Lipton gives his verdict from Wembley as Crystal Palace beat Liverpool on penalties in Community Shield 4 The 21-year-old's pen has gained huge praise as his rise continues Credit: Getty He was born in Scotland and played here for years but represents Northern Ireland at international level through his mother. Fans have also taken to social media to praise his confident winner. One said: "CPFC saving the best penalty for last. Kudos to Devenny, a star on the rise." Another wrote: "Devenny showed them how you take a penalty," while a third added: "Devenny ice in his veins btw, comfortably the best pen." A fourth commented: "BSC Glasgow in 2022, skooshing Liverpool in 2025. Some boy." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Belfast Telegraph
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Northern Ireland international hits winning penalty to deny Liverpool at Wembley
The second half substitute almost won the game in the normal time, missing a chance in the 90th minute to give the London club a famous 3-2 win. But Devenny redeemed himself in the shoot-out by scoring the winning penalty. Jean-Phillippe Mateta, Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr also scored for Palace in the shoot-out. Mo Salah, Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott all missed for the Premier League champions, with England goalkeeper Dean Henderson in fine form. It was a proud day for Devenny, who was an unused substitute in Palace's FA Cup Final win over Manchester City in May. The Scottish-born midfielder who qualifies for Northern Ireland has been capped five times by Michael O'Neill. The 21 year-old made his senior debut in a 2-2 draw against Luxembourg in November. At Wembley, Liverpool summer signing Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring on his competitive debut in the fourth minute, assisted by another new addition, Florian Wirtz, before Jean-Philippe Mateta drew the sides level with a 17th-minute penalty. Arne Slot's Premier League champions restored their lead four minutes later through another debutant, Jeremie Frimpong, before Ismaila Sarr's 77th-minute equaliser forced penalties. Palace won the shoot-out 3-2 with Devenny scoring the decisive penalty.
Daily Record
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
I went from Airdrie benchwarmer to FA Cup winner – I'd have laughed at the thought a couple of years ago
It's been quite the remarkable journey for Justin Devenny who has reaped the rewards for digging deep at his football low moments It was February 2022 when Justin Devenny found himself sitting on the Airdrie bench wondering where his young career was heading. Fast forward just three and a half years later, the former Killie kid had to stop for a second as he clambered his way to the top of the Wembley steps to ask himself just how he'd made it quite so far. The trouble for Steve Clarke and Scotland is that the chance to rewind the tape and claim the 21-year-old Crystal Palace ace for the nation of his birth has come and gone. Born in Irvine and raised at Rugby Park, Devenny has taken not so much taken the scenic route to the Premier League and an FA Cup winners' medal as a 500-mile detour. The starting point was the Kilmarnock academy but with first-team opportunities out of reach, his first stopover was a brief loan stint at Lowland League outfit Broomhill. From there he headed to the Excelsior Stadium, first on loan with the Diamonds before signing permanently. A mere 54 appearances in League One was all the evidence Palace needed to spot his top flight potential - something he has fulfilled this year with 23 appearances in the best league in the world. His talent was so clear to Michael O'Neill that the Northern Ireland boss opted to cap the dynamic midfielder last November before Scotland could realise their mistake. Overlooked by a succession of SFA age group coaches, he's now on course to become a regular for club and country - just not the one where he grew up. Asked if he had any regrets about opting for a green jersey over a dark blue one, Devenny said in his Ayrshire accent: 'Well, Northern Ireland showed their trust first. 'They showed their trust and they believed in me before Scotland did. 'Was that loyalty, that show of faith important to me? Yeah, exactly. You want to play for a team that want you but it's been great since I came in here. I'm just happy to be playing. 'I qualify through my mum, my gran, that side of the family. They were all here on Tuesday so it was good. 'Representing that family heritage is special to me. That's kind of where it all started! 'For me to be playing for Northern Ireland, it's a great, great feeling.' Just as good was that moment of euphoria as the final whistle blew at Wembley last month. Devenny may have been an unused sub as Eberechi Eze's winner sealed victory over Manchester City and with it the Eagles first-ever major trophy but he celebrated the triumph as wildly as any of the men who started for Oliver Glasner's side. Reflecting on the journey that has taken him being a Diamond benchwarmer to Palace's silver-winning squad, he said: 'Well when you say it like that, it's been amazing. 'My route in football has been an upward spiral but I had to dig deep with the low moments and thankfully I've got the rewards. 'It's just gone from strength to strength this season and next season I'll be hoping for more. 'At Wembley it was amazing. You're walking up the Wembley steps and you're like, 'Wow, I can't believe this is me'. 'But I thought we deserved it to be fair. Throughout the year we worked so hard as a team and I think at the time I was just enjoying the celebrations. "But now I can look back and be like, 'Wow, it's a great achievement and I'm grateful for it'. 'It is important to reflect on where you came from but even when I was at Airdrie, no matter what was happening I had that belief in myself. "I was always striving to get to the top. Whether I thought I'd get there so quickly, I don't know. But it's been amazing for me and I just hope for more. 'To have played 23 times in the Premier League this season is incredible. That's what I mean. I just need to reflect and say, 'If you'd told me that a year ago or told me that two years ago I'd probably have laughed'. 'But again, it's just about being confident when you get the chance and I feel like when I've had the chance before then I've grabbed it with both hands. I think that's what you need to do, especially as a young player breaking through.' A year in the Palace Under-23 squad was the perfect transition ground. And he's looked more and more settled in Glasner's side since being handed his Premier League debut in a Selhurst Park defeat to Fulham last November. 'Once you're in that environment that's you,' he said. 'You try and feel at home almost. 'The boys have been great as well. You see that quality straight away when you come in. 'But that's when I need to believe in myself and believe in my own quality. "But the step up has almost been effortless just because of the group. It's been such a good group at Palace and the boys are all helpful, all humble and that's what you need. 'You don't know what to expect and when you've got such a good group, it helps a lot.' Glasner has been key to his development too. Devenny appreciates the opportunities he's been given this year - and made sure to do as he was told on international duty last week. 'What did he tell me before joining up with Northern Ireland? Don't get injured! 'He obviously wants the best for me as well and he wants me to get as many minutes as I can. 'He doesn't want me injured coming back for him. But I think he knows as well it's such a great opportunity for me to try and show what I can do in terms of getting more minutes and stuff. If I do well then I'm almost coming back to Palace with a point to prove.'
