Manchester United teen Jacob Devaney declares for Ireland

The 17-year-old is a holding midfielder who was promoted to United’s first-team for training last season and is part of the development squad coached by ex-Ireland defender Paul McShane.

HIGHLY-RATED: Jacob Devaney of Manchester United U18s in action during the U18 Premier League match against Liverpool. Picture: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images

Manchester United’s highly-rated teen midfielder Jacob Devaney has declared his allegiance to Ireland and will make his U19 debut against France on Thursday.

His father Martin, a former player and currently assistant manager of Barnsley, expressed his delight on social media, noting how the English-born player’s late Granddad “would be smiling from above”.