Highly rated Manchester United youngster declares for Ireland

He is currently part of the development squad coached by ex-Ireland defender Paul McShane.

The 17-year-old is the son of former player and current Barnsley assistant manager Martin Devaney, who announced the news on his social media earlier this week.

We are delighted☘️🇮🇪Jacob to represent Ireland. As a family so proud! Grandad will be smiling from above ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wAz7NDMH4G

— Martin Devaney (@Martindevaney1) September 2, 2024

In a message posted to X, accompanied by an image of the Republic of Ireland U19 squad which includes Jacob's name, Martin wrote: "We are delighted. Jacob to represent Ireland. As a family so proud! Grandad will be smiling from above."

Born in Barnsley and joining United's Academy at the age of 7, Devaney has grown to become a sturdy central midfielder with great passing range.

For the last couple of years, he has been coached by former Ireland and United defender Paul McShane, who now works as a Development Phase coach at his former club.

He made his debut for Manchester United’s under-18s side in April 2023, when he was just 15, and helped the team to three trophies last season, including the league title.

Devaney will have plenty of opportunities to show Ireland fans what he's made of in the coming weeks, as tomorrow's friendly with France will be followed by encounters with Kazakhstan and Slovenia.

St Pat’s teenage sensation Mason Melia has also been called up by Under-19 coach Tom Mohan but will miss the game as the Saints play Dundalk on Thursday.