Nicky Devlin fighting for Walsall place
NIicky Devlin wants to play a leading role for Walsall in the final few months of the season after forcing his way back into the starting XI.
The defender, who was snapped up from part-time outfit Ayr United in the summer, has battled with Liam Kinsella for the right-back slot throughout the 2017/18 campaign.
Devlin started the vast majority of games in 2017 but it’s been Kinsella who has largely got the nod since the turn of the year.
But after impressing and grabbing an assist in Walsall’s 4-2 victory over Doncaster on Tuesday, Devlin says he is now determined to hold onto the shirt.
“It’s been difficult, frustrating more than anything, being out of the team,” the Scotsman said.
“But in football, it’s something you’ve got to be able to deal with and get on with.
“There are 15 games left so hopefully I can keep myself in the team for those 15 games.
“When I came out of the team at the start, Jon (Whitney) said he wanted me to come out and rest.
“Obviously coming from only training twice a week last year, he thought I needed a break. But when I came out, Kins (Kinsella) came in and did well.
“It’s been frustrating, but I feel fresh so hopefully that will work to mine and the team’s advantage between now and the end of the season.”
Devlin admits it’s difficult for any player who isn’t playing.
“It’s especially hard when you see the boys doing well because you don’t feel part of it,” he said.
“The management here do everything they can to make you feel part of it.
“But in the same breath, you are like ‘well I wasn’t on the park when we won’. Now it’s up to me to keep putting in good performances to keep my place.”
Walsall travel to take on Gillingham tomorrow looking to extend their unbeaten run to four matches.
The Gills are also in impressive form with Steve Lovell’s side having lost just one of their last 10.
And Devlin is predicting an entertaining game.
“They have been on a good run and we are unbeaten in three so we are both going into it in good form,” he said.
“But if we can go there and play like the way we played against Doncaster, there’s no reason why we can’t get a result.
“As long as we do the basics well and everybody plays to their strengths, we think we are a match for anybody in the division.
“Whether it’s Doncaster at home or Gillingham away, I don’t think there’s much between any of the teams in the league this year. You can tell that by how close the table is.”
