Man Utd loanee Jacob Devaney plays key role in debut win over title-chasing Hearts

Jacob Devaney got off to a flying start on loan at St. Mirren by playing an influential role in a 1-0 win over Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.

Manchester United were busy on transfer deadline day, sending academy players out on loan.

Jacob Devaney was among the departees, joining Scottish Premiership side St Mirren on loan for the remainder of the season.

It is a move United hoped would give Devaney a chance to play regular football at a senior level.

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Of course, some loan deals don’t go to plan, as we saw during the first half of the season with Toby Collyer recalled from West Brom before being sent out on loan to fellow Championship outfit Hull City.

United In Focus keep a close eye on all United loanees, so there was plenty of attention on Devaney as he made his St Mirren debut against Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts on Tuesday night.

Jacob Devaney impresses in St Mirren debut win over Hearts

It says a lot about Devaney that he was trusted in St Mirren’s starting line-up, just 24 hours after joining the club on loan.

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The 18-year-old played 70 minutes as Robinson made five changes to the side that started in their 0-0 draw with Dundee on Saturday.

Stephen Robinson wasted no time throwing Devaney into his midfield against arguably the toughest opposition in Scotland right now, and the decision paid dividends as St Mirren picked up an unexpected three points.

Hearts centre-back Craig Halkett was sent off in the 29th minute for denying Devaney a goalscoring opportunity with a reckless foul just outside the box.

The resulting free-kick was saved with St Mirren unable to take advantage of the rebound.

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Jacob Devaney stats against Hearts

Devaney has shown that he can compete with the best teams in Scotland after making just one appearance for St Mirren.

It bodes well for St Mirren ahead of their upcoming games as they will be looking to climb up the Scottish league table from ninth place.

The young midfielder touched the ball 49 times and 81% of his passes were accurate.

Devaney also made four clearances, won as many fouls, and won 67% of his ground duels.

What did Jacob Devaney say after his Hearts debut?

Devaney showed his maturity by taking responsibility with media duties after his first appearance for St Mirren.

The young midfielder spoke to Sky Sports Scotland alongside St Mirren teammate Miguel Freckleton. He stressed that he has settled quickly into the team and doesn’t feel like a ‘newcomer’.

“Yeah, it was great,” Devaney said about his debut.

“I enjoyed it. Playing in front of the fans. There was a great atmosphere. I couldn’t have asked for it to have gone any better, especially with the win at the end.”

When asked about the step up to senior football, Devaney added: “It was a lot different to what I’m used to, but I really took it in my stride.

“I thought I put on a good performance, and I think I can really kick on now.”

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