The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
DODDS: DEVLIN SET TO THRIVE AGAIN
Ex-Dons striker says Reds will get boost from defender’s caps
Former Aberdeen striker Billy Dodds reckons the Dons will reap the benefits of Mikey Devlin’s international recognition.
Devlin earned his first two Scotland caps in the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Russia and San Marino, a year after earning selection for the first time.
The past 12 months have been challenging for the former Hamilton Accies captain as he has battled injury problems but he started in Russia alongside Charlie Mulgrew in the 4-0 defeat, before being paired with Kilmarnock’s Stuart Findlay in the 6-0 demolition of San Marino.
A hamstring injury sustained in the Europa League and inconsistent performances have restricted him to four appearances so far for Aberdeen and he got the nod over club regulars Findlay and Declan Gallagher in Moscow.
Dodds, who was in Russia to see Devlin make his international bow, believes his club boss Derek McInnes should reap the rewards of seeing the defender return to Pittodrie a revitalised player.
Former Dons striker Dodds said: “The huge positive to come out of this for Derek McInnes is he’s suddenly got a player who hadn’t been playing, who’s now full of confidence after acquitting himself well.
“Although we lost four goals in Russia, you can’t really pin-point him for any of them. He was close to (Artem) Dzyuba for the third goal but he’s Charlie Mulgrew’s man.
“It’s a wee boost for Aberdeen. He’s now an international player; he’s had injury problems and his confidence may have been down while he’s out of the team.
“Now he’ll be looking to get into the team, secure his place and that can lead him on to more caps.
“That’s the way he’ll be looking at it. He’s a player with more belief that he should be in the team.”
Dodds cautioned against taking too much from the San Marino game given the quality of opponent, but was impressed with the way Devlin grew in stature.
Devlin’s absences this season have come at a difficult time for the Dons, with Scott McKenna, Ash Taylor, Shay Logan and Andy Considine all missing games and the former Scotland striker believes Devlin’s international experience gained will serve him well as he returns to club duty.
Dodds added: “You’ve not got your best defenders playing, you’re struggling to keep clean sheets and confidence drops. It’s a snowball effect.
“Getting Scott McKenna back and Mikey Devlin back as an international player can only help.
“Consistency comes when you’re getting your best players fit, confidence up and results are steady.”