Stephen Craigan was full of praise for newcomer Terry Devlin after the defender made his first start for Northern Ireland on Tuesday night. The 21-year-old was thrown into the deep end against a classy Sweden side in Stockholm.
Devlin went up against pacy winger Ken Sema who scored for the hosts in what was a steep learning curve for the former Glentoran and Dungannon Swifts man.
Despite a shaky start, Devlin grew into the game and posed a threat down the right flank for Northern Ireland, who fell to a 5-1 defeat at the Strawberry Arena.
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Former defender Craigan was on co-commentary for the BBC. He said during the game: "I think Terry Devlin epitomises the spirit of these young players, because he has had a tough time. There have been moments in the game where Sweden have shown their pace, but Terry has stuck to his guns and shown guts.
"It is easy to go and feel sorry for yourself against these top players, but he has really stuck to the task and warmed to it as he went along. He has shown absolutely no fear.
"That's what I am taking from his performance tonight."
Former Northern Ireland captain Jim Magilton believes Sweden potentially 'singled out' Devlin and the other young players in Northern Ireland's starting line-up.
Michael O'Neill's starting XI had an average of just 21, highlighting the size of the challenge facing them in Stockholm.
Speaking at half-time, Cliftonville boss Magilton said: "Terry Devlin has had it tough. It was a tough 45 minutes. Sweden may have highlighted that and they may have singled him out.
"But Ken Sema has been excellent on that flank. At that level you have to block spaces."
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