Mark Robins reveals how Stoke City pipped Celtic to £5m deadline day transfer | OneFootball

Justin Devenny made an immaculate start to life with the Potters on Saturday

Stoke City have made a statement with their summer recruitment, with Justin Devenny wasting little time showing why Mark Robins was so keen to bring him in.

The 22-year-old arrived at the bet36 Stadium from Crystal Palace on deadline day in a deal worth an initial £5 million, with Celtic also reportedly interested in taking him to Scotland.

Handed an immediate start against Charlton Athletic, Devenny produced a dream debut as the Potters ran riot in a 4-0 victory.

His two goals helped turn around the mood in the Potteries after three successive Championship defeats, with Stoke now back in the top half and their summer business beginning to look increasingly encouraging.

Mark Robins reveals how Stoke City beat Celtic to Justin Devenny

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Robins has now explained how Stoke moved quickly when it became apparent Devenny was available.

“Devenny has been quietly coming through at Palace and when it became clear he was available, we pushed the button quite quickly because there was interest from north of the border as well I think,” the Stoke boss said.

The move was announced a day after the transfer deadline, but the Potters were decisive enough to secure the midfielder on a four-year contract.

Robins believes the recruitment is about more than simply adding ability to his squad.

He is particularly pleased that the new arrivals appear genuinely motivated by the prospect of playing for Stoke.

“The biggest thing for me is that the players we’ve bought want to play for Stoke City. That’s massive,” he said.

That hunger was certainly evident against Charlton.

Devenny scored from the penalty spot after 15 minutes before adding a second before half-time, while fellow summer recruits Ethan Galbraith and George Hirst also found the net.

Stoke City fans react to Justin Devenny debut

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Stoke supporters were understandably delighted with Devenny's first outing, with his performance immediately generating excitement.

One wrote: “Brilliant. Well played Justin. Smash it for Stoke City we are all with you.”

Another was similarly impressed, praising both Devenny and the club’s recruitment.

Reacting to Devenny’s post match interview, one highlighted Devenny’s reaction to his first appearance.

Another supporter simply thanked Crystal Palace for allowing the move to happen, while one Potter declared: “Devenny is insane at this level.”

Justin Devenny arrival provides Mark Robins with timely boost

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The timing of Devenny’s arrival could hardly have been better for Robins, who has endured a turbulent start to the campaign.

After Stoke lost their opening three league games, including a 4-1 defeat at Wolves, talkSPORT reported that increased pressure was being placed on the manager.

The Potters had also won just three Championship matches since January, leaving Robins facing genuine questions over his position.

Things became even more difficult when influential winger Sorba Thomas departed for Hull City in the dying stages of the transfer window.

Thomas had been Stoke’s Player of the Year last season after contributing 10 goals and 13 assists, so his exit left a sizable creative void.

Yet Stoke have responded emphatically. A 1-0 victory over Norwich was followed by the 4-0 demolition of previously unbeaten Charlton.