Devenny reflects on Crystal Palace's trophy triumph before Northern Ireland duties

Justin Devenny won the UEFA Conference League with Crystal Palace and is now focused on international duty with Northern Ireland.

Palace's recent success Just days after securing the UEFA Conference League title with Crystal Palace, Justin Devenny remains committed to his club’s ongoing progress rather than taking an immediate break. This latest victory marked the third major trophy Devenny has claimed in the past 12 months, following the FA Cup triumph the season before and the Community Shield triumph over Liverpool in August. The UEFA Conference League win also served as a memorable send-off for departing manager Oliver Glasner, who left the club on a high note. Devenny described the achievement as a remarkable experience, praising his teammates for their performances throughout the tournament. He also reflected fondly on the celebrations that followed the final victory. ## Focus on international football Rather than heading straight to a summer holiday, Devenny has immediately joined Northern Ireland’s squad for two upcoming friendlies, facing Guinea and France — a nation preparing for the World Cup. At 22 years old, he emphasized there was never any doubt about his availability for these matches. Devenny stated he lives to play football, especially after periods of limited game time during the season. He highlighted the importance of every opportunity to play, aiming to build momentum as he still looks forward to a month-long break during the off-season. ## World Cup heartbreak and future motivation Northern Ireland’s failure to qualify for the World Cup after a play-off semi-final loss to Italy left Devenny disappointed but determined not to dwell on it. He acknowledged the pain of missing out but noted that such moments pass quickly. Despite the setback, Devenny expressed his love for watching football and plans to enjoy the tournament, perhaps while relaxing somewhere. He sees the experience as motivation for the national team to qualify for future tournaments, believing the squad can channel the disappointment into future success. ## Rising through Northern Ireland ranks Since making his international debut in 2024, Devenny has become a key figure, often deployed as a left wing-back. Over the next two years, Northern Ireland will face top European sides including Spain, France, Italy, Germany, and again Spain. Devenny emphasized the importance of testing himself against elite teams, singling out France as the current world leaders. He sees these matches as opportunities to measure himself against the best players in the world, aiming to prove competitiveness at the highest level. ## Stability with new club challenges With a new manager expected at Crystal Palace following Oliver Glasner’s departure, Devenny is eager to prove himself under fresh leadership at Selhurst Park. He featured regularly in the first half of the season but saw his playing time decrease as the campaign progressed. Devenny intends to return for pre-season training with a strong focus on making an immediate impact. He views the upcoming season as a fresh start for everyone, offering him a chance to express himself on the pitch. ## Trust and freedom under O'Neill Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill recently extended his contract until 2032, bringing stability to the international setup after he stepped down from his dual role at Blackburn Rovers. Devenny expressed delight at O’Neill’s continued leadership, highlighting the manager’s ability to foster confidence and freedom among the players. He noted that O’Neill places trust in the squad, which in turn strengthens their bond on and off the pitch. Devenny believes this unity is crucial for building a foundation that allows players to perform with confidence.