Palace hero Devenny 'confident' he would convert

Devenny has won five caps for Northern Ireland

Crystal Palace's penalty hero Justin Devenny had no doubt he would convert the decisive spot-kick as the Eagles beat Liverpool to win the FA Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.

The 21-year-old Northern Ireland international was introduced late in the game with the sides locked at 2-2 and had an opportunity to snatch the win in normal time but his effort from the edge of the box went just wide.

In the shootout, the teams were again level at 2-2 when the midfielder stepped up and found the top corner of goalkeeper Alisson's net to secure another piece of silverware for the London club, who won the FA Cup last season.

"It was a long walk up to the penalty spot, but I was confident and believed in myself," Devenny told BBC Sport after the game.

"The keeper was trying to take as long as he can for me to get set up, but I just waited, believed in myself, put the ball down and I knew where I was going - thankfully it went in.

"I had the chance in the game to win it, but I won it in the end, so I'm happy about that."

Scotland-born Devenny came through the youth system at Kilmarnock before a move to Airdrieonians preceded his switch to Crystal Palace in 2023.

Last season he featured 28 times for the Premier League outfit, putting his rapid rise down to work ethic and family support.

"If you put in that work, I believe anyone can get there," said Devenny who has been capped five times for Northern Ireland.

"My family have been there from the start. There's been a lot of sacrifices made by them, so for me to repay them is a special feeling."