DYKES’ RISE TO TOP GIVES HOPE TO ALL, SAYS DEVLIN
NICKY DEVLIN believes Lyndon Dykes should be an inspiration to everyone at Livingston — and beyond — after proving international dreams can come true. Devlin was thrilled to see his former Lions team-mate make his Scotland debut against Israel and then bag his first goal in dark blue against the Czech Republic. It capped a meteoric rise for the striker, who just a little over a year ago was playing Championship football for Queen of the South. Now the 24-year-old is an international star with a seven-figure price tag on his head following his recent move to Queens Park Rangers. Devlin reckons everyone should take inspiration from Dykes’ remarkable story. And the right-back is convinced that goalkeeper Robby McCrorie’s call-up is further evidence that Livingston can be a springboard to success. He said: ‘I was delighted for Lyndon. Everyone in the dressing room was delighted for him. He’s had to wait for his opportunity but everyone was buzzing for him. ‘He did well in both games, but I’m
sure he’ll be delighted he scored in the second game because it takes that bit of pressure off him. ‘It shows he was playing at a good level here. ‘We know how hard Lyndon worked to get there and it shows the opportunity is there to follow almost in his footsteps. ‘He’s led the way and shown it can happen. I’ve never really thought about it but Lyndon has shown it is there for boys. ‘With Robby being here and being picked as well, it shows you’re not going to be left out because you’re playing for Livingston. ‘I think maybe that potentially was the case. But now with the number of international players we have, and how well we did last season, it’s different. ‘I think it’s there for anyone who wants to go and do it now.’ Devlin turned in a man-of-thematch display to inspire Livingston to victory over Ross County in their last outing a fortnight ago. It may just have been the sixth game into the new campaign but to get a first win was a relief following a stuttering start. And, having returned from a knee injury just before last season was cut short, Devlin is determined to ensure both he and the Lions now hit the heights again, starting with this afternoon’s visit of Hamilton. ‘Just getting the win against Ross County takes a wee bit of pressure off,’ said Devlin. ‘It was a good win and we just need to build on it. ‘Lockdown probably came at the worst time for me. I got one game — and then the league was cancelled. But I was delighted I got back playing. ‘I think, mentally, it would have been harder if I didn’t get back at all and I was then into this season. ‘If I hadn’t played, I would have been looking at closer to ten months, rather than just the five that I missed.’