Justin Devenny dazzled during Northern Ireland's close 2-1 friendly defeat by Denmark on Saturday, standing out even more impressively considering he was playing out of position at just 21-years-old.
Donning the Crystal Palace midfielder's jersey, Devenny took on his second start for the international team, occupying the left wing-back spot to tackle the challenge of marking Lazio's nimble winger Gustav Isaksen.
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Despite the unfamiliar role, Devenny made a pivotal contribution to Northern Ireland's early lead via an own goal from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and acquitted himself well in defence. Although Isaksen found the net with an equaliser, it was only after moving to a central role that he managed to bypass Devenny.
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"It was a new position for me but I enjoyed it and wherever I play for the team I'm willing to do a shift," expressed Devenny after the match.
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Just two days into the training camp, Michael O'Neill had mused about deploying Devenny as a wing-back, prompting some focused preparation.
"It was maybe the second day (of training camp) that Michael had told me he was thinking of playing me there and we did a few bits and bobs in training," he explained. "I thought I did well and then when he told me I'd be starting out I tried to understand the position a bit more."
Devenny conceded that midfield is his preference position-wise yet acknowledges the importance of adaptability, adding: "To be fair I'm familiar with it from Palace as well. I know the roles and responsibilities of it and it's just putting that into place."
His willingness to be versatile is clearly a trait the management values highly, and it's a skill set Devenny is keen to continue developing.
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"I enjoy it," he shared. "It is a different experience for me. There's probably a bit more high speed running. I was able to get on the ball and try to understand the runs from my team-mates and try to pick them out.
"I thought first half I did well and in the second half there was a lot of work off the ball but you have to be prepared to do that in international football."
Northern Ireland snatched the lead early when Devenny intercepted a poor pass from Lucas Hogsberg, his subsequent deflected cross leading to an own goal by Hojbjerg who was under duress from Shea Charles.
"That's a big part of being a full-back in this team," Devenny stated regarding the goal. "You have to be aggressive when there is a chance to win the ball. I seen it and took off and intercepted it. I saw the goal and was going to shoot but squared it across and thankfully it went in."
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Devenny, who could have played for Scotland as well, came into this squad fresh from hoisting the FA Cup with Crystal Palace. Following his debut for Palace in November, just days ahead of his Northern Ireland introduction, he's now become a key figure for both sides.
"I'm loving it," he enthused. "Northern Ireland showed trust in me and since I've come in that's my fourth game. The lads are brilliant and the coaching staff are brilliant. I want to learn and improve.
"I haven't started at Windsor yet. I came on against Switzerland so hopefully I'll get a start (against Iceland on Tuesday). It's a special atmosphere and the fans are great so I can't wait for that."