OLIVER Glasner said Justin Devenney “tried everything” but conceded it was difficult for the debut midfielder on a day when several of his players were below par in their 2-0 defeat to Fulham at Selhurst Park at the weekend.
Northern Ireland under-21 international Devenney, 21, joined the Eagles from Scottish League One side Airdrieonians in the summer of 2023 and was called upon as Glasner had a number of absentees, including England midfielders Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze.
Emile Smith Rowe opened the scoring two minutes into first-half added-time before Harry Wilson scored the second with seven minutes left to give Marco Silva’s side a deserved victory.
Daichi Kamada sent off in the 76th minute for a poor tackle on Kenny Tete.
“I think it was okay for him but I didn’t expect that he was the leader in our midfield,” Glasner said when asked about Devenney’s performance. “He did well, he tried everything. It was also difficult for him today. I think several players it was not their best day and it’s also a tough for a young player having their debut.
“I don’t look for excuses. I think we had a competitive squad available. We have to be honest, Fulham were the better team today. We made too many mistakes, we gave them the chances and goals too easily. When we had our two or three chances we didn’t take them. Overall they were the better team and this is what we have to expect today.”
Also without the suspended Will Hughes, Glasner partnered Devenney with centre-back Marc Guehi in midfield.
Glasner said: ”You can’t always choose the situations. It happens and then you have to be here. Fulham played really well, very aggressive, very direct, a lot of pace in their attack. It was a difficult game and when you make too many mistakes it’s tough coming back and coming back.”
