Walsall sign right-back Nicky Devlin

The right-back has put pen to paper on a two-year deal at the Banks’s Stadium despite interest from a host of clubs in Scotland.

Devlin turned down a move to an unnamed club in the Scottish Premiership to stay with Ayr last summer. But the defender has decided to move on this year after The Honest Men were relegated from the Scottish Championship.

Reports north of the border had linked Devlin with a move to either Hearts or Dundee United.

And Saddlers boss Jon Whitney admitted he was delighted to beat off competition to land the full-back.

“I’m really pleased to get Nicky on board,” he said.

“There were lots of other clubs interested but we sold Walsall to him.

“We sold the philosophy, the fan base and the fact that we are a community club.

“It’s important we make these players feel welcome and we ensure their families feel part of the set up here as well.

“He will be an important player for us. He was the youngest captain at Ayr and comes across as a very driven player.

“Devlin is someone we have been aware of for a while now, we’ve kept tabs on him and we’re really pleased to have him on board.”

A former Scotland under-21 international, Devlin admits he is excited by the challenge of proving himself in England.

“I’m very excited to be here – I’ve had a long break so I just want to get started now,” he said.

“I’ve been around the stadium and had a look at the facilities and I’m really impressed with the set up.

“The strongest part of my game is that I like to get forward, it’s one of my main attributes.

“I’d class myself as quite a quick player and I’m able to burst forward from defence. But first and foremost I am a defender.

“I want to come in and make an impact straight away. I want to make sure I’m consistently in the team and proving myself as a right back.

“I know it’s going to be different coming into the English league, but I’m excited by that. I’m excited for the challenge.

“Walsall is a big club. I’ve spoke to a number of people that I know and they’ve all spoke highly of Walsall Football Club.

“So when I knew Walsall were interested, I jumped at the opportunity to join.”