Devlin winner takes Northern Ireland to brink of Nations League promotion

Northern Ireland beat Ukraine 1-0 at Windsor Park on Saturday, with Terry Devlin's first international goal leaving them a draw away from promotion to Nations League A. BBC Sport reported that Michael O'Neill's side returned to the top of their group after a fifth consecutive clean sheet in the competition.

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Devlin settled the match in the 68th minute after Northern Ireland worked a short corner across the edge of the penalty area. The Portsmouth player struck from about 25 yards, curling the ball beyond Anatoliy Trubin. It ended the hosts' wait for a home goal in this campaign after goalless draws against Hungary and Georgia.

Northern Ireland had earlier seen a Jamie Donley finish disallowed following a VAR offside check. Trubin subsequently denied Donley and Shea Charles in quick succession, while Pierce Charles stopped Olexiy Kashchuk at the other end. The visitors also threatened late on: Kashchuk's cutback found Danylo Sikan in the 90th minute, but Charles saved with his feet to preserve the lead.

O'Neill praised Devlin's adaptability and commitment in comments reported by BBC Sport NI's Andy Gray. The 23-year-old can operate in midfield or at full-back on either side. He began his senior career with Dungannon Swifts, later played for Glentoran and moved to Portsmouth in 2023. He is Portsmouth's leading Championship scorer this season.

The result also underlined the contribution of a young Northern Ireland side. Their starting line-up had an average age of 22.9, with eight players aged 23 or under. O'Neill credited goalkeeper Charles with sound decision-making and an understanding of his defenders, alongside the saves that have protected their unbeaten defensive record in the group.

Northern Ireland are already assured of at least a promotion play-off, but a draw or victory in Hungary on Tuesday would secure automatic promotion. They will have to complete that task without Donley, whose booking against Ukraine brings a suspension. O'Neill was also booked and is set to watch from the stands, adding another complication to the decisive trip to Budapest.