'All football fans love that': Former Coleraine ace believes 'outstanding' local lad destined for bright future

Still only 19, Devine brought his Premiership goal tally for the season to four last weekend with a stunning strike against Crusaders.

Devine began the campaign in stunning form, netting a brace in September’s 4-1 victory over the Crues, and while his involvement across recent weeks has been limited, the Northern Ireland U19 international took his opportunity after being handed a start at Seaview.

Having impressed during a loan spell at H&W Welders last season – he scored eight goals in 22 league appearances – Devine was recalled by his parent club in January and has consistently been part of Ruaidhri Higgins’ senior set-up.

Born in Coleraine and coming through the club’s youth ranks, Devine has quickly become a fan favourite at The Showgrounds.

Tolan, who famously scored Coleraine’s winning goal in the 2003 Irish Cup final, believes it’s crucial to have players with a local connection in the team – and has been mightily impressed by Devine's impact.

"He's been outstanding,” Tolan told the News Letter. “Even last season when he came back from his loan, the kid has a lot of potential.

"I'm really, really pleased that Ruaidhri's sticking with him because you can throw all the money you want about, bring these great players in, and it's all great, but when you have a local kid who's come up through the ranks, it’s fantastic.

"I think all football fans love that, having one of their own in the team that they can identify with.

"Lyndon's (Kane) been doing that for 12 or 13 years, but it’s great to now have a new young kid coming through.

"When he's starting games, he's making an impact, when he comes off the bench, he’s making an impact, and as a manager, you can't ask for more than that.

"For him to be starting in this side, it tells you what sort of quality he has and what the manager and backroom staff think of him.”

With clubs from across the water paying close attention to young Irish League stars, it’s almost certain that Devine will attract interest if he keeps up his current form.

Northern Ireland U21 manager Tommy Wright is likely also monitoring Devine, who has played 10 times for his country's U19s, including in Euro qualifiers earlier this year.

Tolan believes Devine has the attributes required to enjoy a successful career and feels he’s playing a key role for Higgins' side.

"Absolutely (teams will be looking at him), and even going forward, I’m sure the (Northern Ireland) U21s are looking at him too,” added Tolan. “Everything about him, it's natural, he's outstanding.

"The thing I like about him is his attitude.

"When he starts and comes off, or when he doesn't come on, he doesn't huff, he just gets on with it, knuckles down, and he sees the big picture.

"He's playing for a football club that's thriving at the moment and he's doing the right thing.

"The manager won't even be thinking about bringing anybody else in, why would you? He has been outstanding.”