Nicky Devlin aiming to stay in the Walsall fold

The 24-year-old, a summer signing from Ayr, was forced to watch from the subs bench after Liam Kinsella took his place at right back for 11 games.

But Devlin fought his way back into the team for the game at Rochdale on Saturday and retained his place for the visit of Bristol Rovers on Boxing Day.

And now he is back in the side, the Scotsman is determined to stay there.

“It was a tough few months,” he said.

“I have not really been used to missing games in my career which made it a bit more difficult.

“But Kins (Kinsella) came in and did really well. I think if anyone was consistent over those 10 games it was Kins.

“That is what he brings to the team. He is very consistent. He doesn’t make many mistakes.

“But I’m really happy to be back in, after missing 11 games I’d play in goal if I had too!

“Now I know I’ve got to work hard to stay there. I enjoy the defensive side of the game but it’s something I still need to work on. I need to get better defensively.

“So I’m just going to concentrate on myself, I’m going to keep working hard and do everything I can to make sure I keep playing well and stay in the team."

Devlin has formed an impressive partnership with Zeli Ismail over the past two games and he is hoping Walsall can extend the loan of the Bury winger until the end of the season.

“It would be great to keep him,” the defender added.

“On his day, I believe, there isn’t a better winger in the league.

“I haven’t seen Blackburn yet. But I have seen every other team and I stand by that. If Zeli is on his game, he can terrorise any defence in the league.

“Hopefully we can keep him. Because with him, Erhun Oztumer, Kieron Morris and the strikers we have, we know we can win games.”