The former Ayr United defender, who missed a couple of games last month, has recently been amongst the Saddlers' star performers, including bagging a goal during the FA Cup - First Round victory over Coventry City, along with entering solid displays against Fleetwood Town and Sunderland.
Devlin, who has made fifty-six club appearances since joining in the summer of 2017, admitted that he found it difficult to sit on the sidelines, especially after what he believes was a poor first season with the club, but is determined to make himself a permanent fixture on manager Dean Keates' teamsheet.
Speaking via the Express & Star, Nicky said; "It’s always difficult because you’re a professional footballer and you want to play games. You’re training all week and if you don’t play on the Saturday, it feels like you’re not really doing your job – it’s only half a job you’re doing.
"It was difficult but I experienced last season and that’s made me more mature. I’m just delighted I’ve got myself back in. I’ve done okay but I know I can do better. For me, it’s about getting a level of consistency that makes it almost impossible for the gaffer to leave me out. That’s what I’m personally aiming for."
Nicky, who is likely to be named among the Starters as the Saddlers face Pompey later this evening, then went on to look ahead to the match, admitting that the hosts will be favourites, but the Reds are enjoying being labelled underdogs.
Nicky added; "The more people write you off, the more it should fire you up and make you want to do well. We’ll go into the game as underdogs but we all know in our dressing room that if our big players turn up, we’ll have every chance of winning the game."