Devlin backed to find his best form at Livi

LIVINGSTON manager David Martindale believes he can help Mikey Devlin back to the form that saw him capped by Scotland after agreeing a deal to sign the defender from Hibernian. The 29-year-old former Hamilton, Aberdeen and Fleetwood player (pictured) joined Hibs on a short-term deal in January after serious injury derailed his career following three outings for the national team in 2019. Devlin’s only appearance for the Edinburgh club came as a late substitute in last weekend’s seasonending draw with Hearts and, with his Hibs contract due to expire, he has been handed an immediate chance to continue his top-flight career. Martindale will have to reshape his defence for next season following the departures of Nicky Devlin and Jack Fitzwater under freedom of contract, but he is convinced a fit-and-firing Devlin will have a major role to play in West Lothian. ‘I’m delighted to get Mikey over the line,’ Martindale told the club website. ‘He brings a wealth of experience at an extremely good level. ‘Mikey has had his injury problems over the last two to three seasons but I am confident that we can get Mikey back playing in Premiership football. There is no doubt in my mind that if it wasn’t for injury, he would still be playing international football and at the top end of the league.’ Devlin has signed an initial 12-month contract that can be extended based on a set amount of starts each season.