WATCH: Long-range goal stunner by 'completely transformed' ex-Irish League favourite and Northern Ireland international
Former Irish League player and current Northern Ireland international Terry Devlin was celebrated as a player “completely transformed” following his two-goal brace on Tuesday for Portsmouth.
The 22-year-old, a former Dungannon Swifts player who made the switch from Glentoran to Pompey in 2023, fired home a brace in the 3-1 away success over Charlton Athletic at The Valley.
Both strikes arrived from outside the box in the Sky Bet Championship win – with his first on 22 minutes finding a way between the legs of Charlton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski before the second a dipping, swerving stunner that hit off the inside of the upright before the hour mark.
Devlin had been the subject of transfer interest in the January window but Portsmouth boss John Mousinho proved determined to keep the versatile player.
Speaking last night after Devlin’s match-defining contribution, Mousinho was full of praise for Devlin, who can operate in midfield but has spent the majority of his Portsmouth career as a right-back.
“You know what? He strikes the ball really well,” as reported by PA Sport when asked about Devlin’s technique. “It is something he has taken on himself to work on.
“Terry has had a couple of longer-range strikes where he has been unlucky and forced good saves from goalkeepers.
“The first was a little bit fortuitous but the second was absolutely outstanding.
"If there is anybody who deserves the credit and praise it is Terry.
"He has completely transformed his game since we brought him over.”