Crystal Palace move shows Airdrie is the right club for player development, says boss

Rhys McCabe hopes Justin Devenny’s move to Crystal Palace sparks a ‘snowball’ effect at Airdrie with more young players moving to bigger clubs.

The Diamonds player-boss says there’s no better club to develop players, and that Devenny’s move to London shows how hard he and Airdrie have worked.

McCabe says with scouts regularly spotted at games, Devenny might not be the last to be handed a career-and life-changing move.

And he says former Rangers attacking midfielder Gavin Gallagher has a similar opportunity to impress, given that he’s a replacement for Devenny.

McCabe said: “It’s an amazing opportunity for Justin, and it’s testament to how hard he has worked, and probably the guys at the club, in terms of putting their time and patience into developing his ability.

“But I’m hoping it’s the start of a snowball effect for the club and the area.

“We play a style of football that promotes younger players, and it’s being noticed, because there area teams coming to watch our players, which is real credit to the staff and the club for the way we’re going about things.

“I think we’re doing it in the right manner.

“Gavin Gallagher coming in is a so-called replacement and we’re hoping to have the same philosophy and ethos, in terms of what we expect, and what we’ll do with him in his development – it’s a good opportunity.

“There’s probably no better place at the minute in the country to learn your trade, be involved in that first team environment, and get the blend really well.”

Airdrie signed Northern Irish midfielder Liam McStravick on Saturday night, and McCabe said the 18-year-old won’t be the last in the door.

“We’re always looking, I’ll never be settled,” said McCabe. “But I’ve said since day ‘dot’ that I’m not going to