Saddlers right-back Nicky Devlin has spoken ahead of Saturday's League One clash with Gillingham and discussed his recent spell on the sidelines, admitting that he is pushing to retain his first-team place for the remainder of the season.
Nicky, who joined the club from Ayr United in the summer, has been battling for game time with Liam Kinsella, with the youth product securing the first-team role over the past few months, but Devlin, who started during the Saddlers' midweek victory over Doncaster Rovers, is ready to retain the starting spot.
Devlin, who was speaking via the Express & Star, said; "It’s been difficult, frustrating more than anything, being out of the team. 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 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.
"It’s especially hard when you see the boys doing well because you don’t feel part of it. 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."