Nicky Devlin wasn’t quick enough to stop stroppy Ronaldo for a prized memento of his Scotland debut. But the Aberdeen star insists a special strip presented to him by Steve Clarke is the best souvenir he could wish for from his big night at Hampden.
Along with the memory of his proud as punch family watching from the stands. While CR7 got shirty with all and sundry before storming down the tunnel after a night of frustration on his own Hampden debut it was a completely different story for Devlin. The 30-year-old might only have got on the field for the last two minutes plus added time. But that was long enough to produce a heroic block from AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao and help secure a brave backs-to-the-wall point against the Nations League group leaders.
It’s a night he will never forget, along with dad Charlie, wife Lauren, kids Josh and Oliver and brother Johnny who were watching on from the Main Stand. And thanks to the manager he has a special keepsake for his wall.
He said: “I got a strip with my name on the back and the number one that the manager gave me. So I’m delighted with that. I think Che might have got Ronaldo’s top to be fair. I don’t think he was too happy at the end!
“We had to frustrate them a lot of the time tonight and we managed to do that. But over the course of the game we probably had the better chances to maybe win the game. It’s definitely a positive for going into the next two games and hopefully we can pick up some wins in those.
“It’s a proud moment for me and my family and probably everyone who’s grown up with me playing football. It’s a special moment and probably more importantly it’s a good result for the team and something we have probably deserved over the last few games. We’ve probably deserved more than a point over the last few games. We managed to get one now, one out of six, and hopefully something we can build on.”
Nobody could ever accuse Devlin of being fast-tracked to the top. The right back has had to graft after being released by Motherwell as a youngster. Spells with Stenhousemuir and Ayr United followed before a move to Walsall saw him kick on. After two years in the West Midlands Livingston handed Devlin his big break in the Scottish Premiership and three standout years with the Lions won him a move to Aberdeen.
Tuesday night’s Scotland cap was reward for a career of dedication. And for his family’s loyal support. No more so than dad Charlie.
Devlin said: “As much as I’m delighted and proud it’s for them as well. When I was young and part time in League One and Championship in Scotland they probably travelled everywhere across the country to watch me. Then all over Europe last year as well with Aberdeen. So it’s a big reward for them.
“My career’s been ups and downs all the time. But it’s not something I would change because having those ups and downs has put me in this position I’m in today. It’s a big moment for me.
“I understand being given that opportunity to go on is the dream of millions of people. I will never take that for granted.”
Devlin’s big block to deny Leao was hailed by Clarke afterwards as “brave”. But the Dons man insists he was only following the standards set by his team mates in the games that had gone before. John Souttar, Grant Hanley and goalkeeper Craig Gordon were colossuses to keep Ronaldo and co at bay and get Scotland’s first point on the board.
Now Devlin is desperate to keep his place in the squad for next month’s double header with Poland and Croatia. He said: “That’s what you’ve got to do. You can only do that by playing well for your club. We go back now, it’s a tough month coming up, but you just keep trying to perform as best as you can and if it’s enough to keep you in the squad then brilliant.
“At times those blocks are what you have to do as a defender. I took inspiration from the boys in the last few games. They’ve had to make blocks and Craigy has made a few big saves. You just have to come on and do your part.”
There’s little time for Devlin to relax and enjoy the moment before Aberdeen put their 100 per cent record on the line at Celtic Park on Saturday. But that’s exactly what Dons boss Jimmy Thelin would have been stressing to the Pittodrie vice-captain.
He said: “The manager will be delighted with me. If I was to speak to him straight after the game he’d have told me to concentrate on enjoying Tuesday night. We’re not back in til Thursday. So he’d say enjoy the moment and be ready for Saturday when it comes.”