Declan Devine tips Jonny Russell to be a smash-hit in England just like Northern Ireland international Lee Bonis
Glentoran manager Declan Devine has full faith that Jonny Russell can follow Lee Bonis’ footsteps by starring in England and earning senior international recognition in the process.
Northern Ireland U21 international Russell has swapped the east Belfast side for Crawley Town after an undisclosed fee was agreed between the clubs during this month’s transfer window.
It means that full-back Russell will now ply his trade in League Two after making 80 appearances for the Glens since making his debut during the 2022/23 campaign.
Larne native Russell was named Glentoran Player of the Year in the 2023/24 season, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history to receive the award at just 19 years of age.
He is set to join ex-Irish League star Lee Bonis by featuring in League Two and Devine believes that Russell has all the potential and ability to be a smash hit in England’s fourth-tier.
He said: "I'm delighted for him...I'm gutted that we're losing him because of what he brings.
"You look at League Two...you see Lee Bonis.
"Lee has set the Irish League alight. he's gone to Holland, he's came back, he's at Chesterfield doing really well. He's an international fixture in the Northern Ireland team.
"For Jonny now, he's done outstanding in the (Northern Ireland) under 21s. He's been a real breath of fresh air here.
"There would be nobody happier to see him push on the Northern Ireland international squad. "Absolutely....why not?
"So, the sky's the limit for the kid, I'm delighted for him, I'm gutted for us, but I wish him every success in the future."
Russell had been on the books at Glentoran since the age of 10, where he progressed from the Academy right through into the first-team.
With that in mind, he was thankful to the club for helping with his development from a boy into a man.
"Coming through the Academy and playing for Glentoran’s first team is something I’m incredibly proud of and a dream come true,” he explained.
"This club has been a huge part of my life from a young age and has played a massive role in my development, both as a player and as a person.
“This move to Crawley Town is an exciting opportunity for me and gives me the chance to experience the English Football League and continue pushing myself at a new level.
“I want to thank the manager, the coaching staff, my teammates, the supporters and all the Academy coaches who have helped me along the way during my time at Glentoran.
“Glentoran will always mean a lot to me and I’ll be following the club closely. I wish everyone at the club all the very best for the rest of the season and beyond.”