Justin Devenny in line for chance to step up after Crystal Palace hit by injuries | OneFootball

Midfielder set for more opportunities in the absence of Adam Wharton and Ismaila Sarr

Crystal Palace’s squad is already feeling the effects of a congested fixture schedule.

A frustrating summer transfer window has left Palace struggling to react to injuries to Adam Wharton and Ismaila Sarr, with options thin on the ground across the team.

Injuries, though, provide opportunities and one player in line to capitalise is Justin Devenny.

The 21-year-old midfielder started four Premier League games last season in what was considered a breakthrough campaign.

But this season he is on course to eclipse that tally and cement his place in Oliver Glasner’s plans.

An emphatic winning penalty in the Community Shield served as the perfect introduction for the Northern Ireland international. This is a player relishing in the trust of his manager.

Devenny scored the winning penalty in the Community Shield

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Not afraid to take responsibility, Devenny has enjoyed a productive international break, scoring in a 3-1 win away to Luxembourg before assisting a goal against Germany.

He is stepping up for club and country and, in a season where Palace are expected to fight on four fronts, will be given plenty of opportunities to impress.

Glasner has previously admitted he struggles to understand the Devenny’s thick accent, but one thing he has absolute clarity over is his ability to find space and score goals.

Devenny ranks fifth in the Palace squad for progressive passes received despite playing just 78 minutes of Premier League football.

Glasner has also been careful to say he does not want to rush his development, but with injuries mounting already this term his hand may have been forced.

Devenny has played just 78 minutes of Premier League football this season but is set for more gametime

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Devenny is still a young man, just 34 games into his senior career at Palace, and it is clear there is plenty for him to learn.

Brought in for the departing Eberechi Eze at home to Fredrikstad in the first leg of Palace’s Conference League play-off, he struggled to influence the game as the Eagles limped to a 1-0 win at Selhurst Park.

Turning bright moments into consistent performances is perhaps a crucial next step and Devenny will be given the game time to make mistakes, but just as crucially learn from them.

Palace expect to go deep in the Conference League, and in lieu of a large squad, those on the periphery of the first team will be given more playing time.

Devenny is among those angling for minutes, and he will hope that Europe can provide a platform for greater involvement in the league as Glasner looks to remodel his attack following Eze’s departure.