Crystal Palace midfielder ready to ‘grab’ FA Cup semi-final chance if handed starting role against Aston Villa

Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny says he is ready to grab his opportunity should he be handed a starting role by Oliver Glasner in tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final clash against Aston Villa at Wembley.

The 21-year-old started in Palace’s 2-2 draw at Champions League semi-finalists Arsenal on Wednesday night, playing 80 minutes before being taken off for Romain Esse.

Glasner chose to rest Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta ahead of the trip to the national stadium.

Despite most of his minutes coming from the bench, Devenny has racked up 20 Premier League appearances in his debut senior season in English football.

He has started five times in all competitions this season and is hoping he gets another chance tomorrow when Palace take on Unai Emery’s Villa side for a place in the FA Cup final.

“I’m super excited, said the Northern Ireland international.

“I’ve never been to Wembley, so that will be an experience in itself.

“I’m ready to grab it with both hands. I’m excited.

“You can’t put too much expectation on yourself, but I can tell when I speak to everyone that we’re desperate to win and we will do everything we can to make it happen.

“It’s special. It’s something I want to experience and win.

“I play football to win – I’m looking forward to it.

Devenny joined Palace’s U21 side from Scottish League One side Airdrieonians in the summer of 2023.

He was promoted to the Palace first team this season by Glasner and has not looked back since.

He added: “It’s been an amazing season and I’m loving every moment of it.

“Glasner had helped me a lot and he’s shown trust in me. That’s why it’s up to me to repay him.

“I know tonight might not have been my best game on the ball, but I made sure I worked my socks off and did what I could for the team.”

Palace have been to the FA Cup final twice in their history but never lifted major silverware.

“For us, we have that in our mind,” added Devenny, who scored his first Palace goal in the 2-2 draw at Villa in the league in November.

“We want to win the trophy.

“We’re not just there to turn up – we want to show what we can do. I believe in the team because there are great players and quality.

“If we’re at our best level, there is no reason why we can’t win it.”

PICTURE: ROB AVIS