Cristiano Ronaldo’s shirt may have been the most sought-after one following Scotland’s draw against Portugal, with Che Adams the lucky recipient, but Nicky Devlin wouldn’t swap the jersey he was given to commemorate his first cap for his country for the world.
The Aberdeen defender has had a circuitous route to representing Scotland, slogging it out once upon a time in part-time football to make a living for himself from the game. With hard work and the help of his family and friends along the way, it all proved worthwhile as he pulled on the dark blue for the first time at Hampden on Tuesday night.
It was a proud moment for the 30-year-old and all of those connected with him, many of whom were there at the national stadium to witness a moment they all thought may never come.
“I got [a jersey] with my name on the back and number one that the manager gave me, so I was delighted with that,” Devlin said.
“It was a special moment for me and my family, and everyone that's been connected with me probably growing up playing football.
“It's been ups and downs all the time, really. It's not something I would change, to be honest.
“I think having the ups and downs has put me in the position I'm in today. So, it's not something I'd change.
“My wee brother was at Hampden, my wife and kids were too. As much as obviously I'm delighted, I’m unbelievably proud for them as well. They've been with me from when I was part-time in League One and in The Championship in Scotland.
“They've travelled everywhere, all over the country, all over Europe last year as well, wherever they've been. So yeah, a big reward for them as well.
“And more importantly, it was a good result for the team. Something we probably deserved over the last few games.
“We probably deserved more than a point over the last few games, but we managed to get one out of six. Hopefully it's something we can build on.”
Devlin may only have entered the field of play for a tiring Anthony Ralston with one minute of regulation time remaining, but in the five minutes or so he spent on the pitch, he still managed to make a vital, point-saving contribution.
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As AC Milan winger Rafael Leao cut in from the left onto his right foot in stoppage time, it looked for all the world as though he was about to finally break Scotland’s stubborn resolve, but Devlin strained every sinew to get across and produce a brilliant block to keep the scores level.
“At times that's what you have to do as a defender,” he said.
“I’ve probably taken inspiration from watching the boys the last few games.
“They've had to make a lot of blocks, Craigy (Gordon)'s made a few big saves. So yeah, you've just got to go on and do your part.
“When I went to block it, I was kind of almost consciously trying to keep my arms down. I knew obviously I was probably the last line before Craigy was going to have to save it.
“I managed to keep my arms away from the block, thankfully.”
Devlin will now go back to Aberdeen with his sights set firmly on earning his place back in the Scotland squad for the fixtures against Croatia and Poland in mid-November, something he knows he will only achieve by keeping up his fine form for Jimmy Thelin’s high-flying side.
With a trip to face the only other team in the Premiership with a perfect record so far in the shape of Celtic this weekend, the big tests keep coming for Devlin, but he is determined to meet them head on in the same manner that has brought him to this high point of his career.
“We've got a tough month coming up, but you've just kind of got to keep trying to perform as best you can, and if it's enough for the manager to keep you in the squad, then that's brilliant,” he said.
“I think if I was to speak to the manager at Aberdeen just now, he'd tell me to concentrate on the [Portugal game] and enjoy it. He'd be telling me to enjoy the moment and be ready for Saturday when it comes.
“I had a few missed phone calls straight after the game and he’d have been one of them.
“But as I said, he'll probably be more focused on trying to get me to enjoy my debut rather than focus too much on Celtic.”
