Holt left impressed by Devlin desire
GARY HOLT has hailed the professionalism of Nicky Devlin after the Livingston defender made his comeback from injury.
Devlin had been sidelined for more than four months following a knee injury but the 26-year-old returned to the starting line-up in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone.
The former Ayr United full-back lasted the whole game as Livi paid the price for allowing Callum Hendry to snatch a precious three points for Saints late on at McDiarmid Park.
Despite the loss throwing their top-six ambitions into question, Holt is thrilled Devlin provided the West Lothian outfit with a positive to take home from Perth.
He said: “It was brilliant to see Nicky back on the pitch on Saturday. It just shows you the desire and hunger of certain individuals, to play 90 minutes of football.
“That’s the drive and determination you’re looking for, and hopefully some others will look at that as well. I’m delighted for him. He showed all the traits he’s got and the 90 minutes will certainly stand him in good stead.
“His work rate, up and down, is testament to him and how he goes about his work and how he looks after himself. To play 90-odd minutes in his first game back was brilliant.”
Striker Jack Hamilton, meanwhile, has penned a new deal that keeps him at the club until summer 2022.
The 19-year-old was farmed out to Queen of the South on loan in July and has netted four times in 26 appearances for the struggling Championship outfit.