Ireland U21 international Jacob Devaney was in superb form on Tuesday, as he made his first appearance for St. Mirren after joining on loan from Manchester United.
18-year-old Devaney completed the move on deadline day, one of several United academy players to secure loans away from Old Trafford.
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The English-born midfielder has lined out for Ireland at underage level, and is captain of United's U21 side having been named Youth Scholar of the Year last May.
However, Devaney himself reportedly pushed for the move to gain experience of playing at senior level.
It's safe to say he impressed in his first ever senior game of football on Tuesday night.
Devaney was throw in from the start by St. Mirren manager Stephen Robinson for the Premiership clash at home against Hearts.
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St. Mirren would claim a dramatic late win against the league leaders, with Devaney playing a massive role in the incident which saw Hearts reduced to 10 men in the first half.
The ball broke in Devaney's direction, and the Irishman was first to the ball ahead of Craig Halkett, who drew the red card with a clumsy lunge with Devaney in on goal.
🟥 Craig Halkett has been sent off for denying a goal scoring opportunity! ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/0A4qAqjOF4
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 3, 2026
Ireland's Jacob Devaney earned massive plaudits from fans and pundits after announcing himself with a gritty display.
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Irish youngster Jacob Devaney stars on St. Mirren debut
Jacob Devaney spoke to Sky Sports after his debut for St. Mirren on Tuesday evening, and said he had "really enjoyed" his debut in professional football.
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Furthermore, he said that the physicality of senior football was "different" to what he was used to with the Ireland and Manchester United U21s, but that he was ready to fight in midfield.
Yeah, it was great. I really enjoyed it, playing in front of the fans. It was a great atmosphere. I couldn't have asked for it to go any better, especially with the win at the end.
It was a lot different to what I'm used to. But, you know, I really took it in my stride, and I thought I put on a good performance.
I feel I can really kick on from now, keep grinding out performances.
It's clear that Devaney has settled quickly in Scotland, judging by his remarks on his teammates.
"I thought it was fine, I thought we linked up pretty well," Devaney said.
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"I didn't feel like I was a newcomer, I felt like I fitted right in. I enjoyed it."
The Irishman is clearly not lacking in confidence, and there are likely to be plenty more performances coming down the line if he continues to play like this.
St. Mirren fans were certainly enamoured with their new midfielder after the win over Hearts.
Post a picture of Jacob Devaney. I’ll start. pic.twitter.com/EcPv1mGeej
— Part Time Fan 🏴🏳️ (@PTFblog) February 3, 2026
🐼 | JACOB DEVANEY - ST.MIRREN v Hearts ⭐️
◽️ 70' mins played
◽️ 49 touches
◽️ Acc. Passes - 26/32 (81%)
◽️ Clearances - 4
◽️ Fouls Won - 4 (1 Leading to Halkett being sent off)
◽️ Ground Duels Won - 6/9 (67%)
◽️ Aerial Duels Won - 2/4 (50%)
Devaney wanted to leave Man United… pic.twitter.com/L4y6Mm6v4T
— Hit The Byline - Analysis (@HitTheByline) February 3, 2026
Note to everyone associated with Man Utd.
Jacob Devaney is rubbish, absolutely hopeless.
You should just let us keep hold of him for good, we'll shoulder your burden. We'll even chip in and give you 50 grand for him.
Cheers!
— Chaps (@rtchaps84) February 4, 2026
Jacob Devaney looks like he's been in that team years alongside Gogic 👏
Great first half.
— Irish Buddies (@Irish_Buds) February 3, 2026
jacob devaney btw, what a player he’ll be for us till the end of the season 👏👏👏
— rosie (@rosiesmith1877) February 3, 2026
A statement performance from Jacob Devaney.
The Barnsley-born midfielder has played six times for the Ireland U21s, making his debut at just 17 years old last June.
Back at Manchester United, there was good news for another Irish underage international in the club's academy.
Ireland's Jack Moorhouse features in Manchester United training
Jack Moorhouse figured in several matchday squads for Ruben Amorim during an injury crisis mid-season, and he has clearly done something to impress new boss Michael Carrick.
The Ireland U21 star was pictured taking part in United first-team training on Wednesday morning, as the side prepares to host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Moorhouse evidently remains highly rated at Old Trafford, and reports suggest he could yet feature for the senior side this season.
Daily Mail journalist Nathan Salt suggested that Moorhouse could be in contention to return to the matchday squad should injury or suspension befall midfielders Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo or Manuel Ugarte.
Keep an eye on how it goes for Jack Moorhouse between now and the end of the campaign.
Should be next man up in midfield if anything happens to Casemiro, Mainoo or Ugarte imo #mufc https://t.co/n5wtR3bgOY
— Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) February 4, 2026
With midfielder Mason Mount absent from training on Wednesday, there may be a chance for Jack Moorhouse to work his way onto the bench for Saturday's game against Spurs.
The last Ireland international to play for Manchester United was Robbie Brady in 2012.
If Jacob Devaney and Jack Moorhouse can continue on their current trajectories, we may not be far away from ending that streak.
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