Scotland debut hero reflects on 'special moment' and reveals what happened to Cristiano Ronaldo's top

Nicky Devlin completed a fairytale journey when he stepped onto the Hampden pitch on Tuesday night.

The Aberdeen right-back made his international debut as an 88th minute replacement for Anthony Ralston and played a major part in helping Scotland earn a much-needed Nations League point against Portugal.

His incredible block just seconds after coming on, bravely throwing his body in front of Rafeal Leao to deny the £35million AC Milan winger a close range shot on goal, was a crucial moment in securing the clean sheet that ensured he and his team-mates avoided the unwanted tag of being involved in a fifth straight loss for the first time in the nation's history.

His valuable contribution ensured the 30-year-old can look back on his first cap with a great deal of pride, but simply pulling on the Scotland jersey was a huge achievement for a player whose career has taken off at Pittodrie after spells with Motherwell, Dumbarton, Stenhousemuir, Ayr, Walsall and Livingston. It was a memorable night for the entire Devlin family, with his father, brothers, wife Lauren, and his children all in attendance to soak up the occasion.

Scotland debutant Nicky Devlin makes a vital block to deny Portugal's Rafael Leao. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group) | SNS Group

"It's a special moment for me, my family and everyone that has been connected with me growing up playing football," Devlin said. "As much as I'm delighted and unbelievably proud, I think, for them as well, they've been with me when I was young and part-time in League One in Scotland. They've travelled everywhere, all over the country and all over Europe last season as well with Aberdeen, so it's a big reward for them as well.

“I've been given that opportunity to go on today and that's the dream of millions of people. I understand that and I'll never take that for granted. It's been ups and downs all the time really, but it's not something I would change. Having the ups and downs has put me in the position I'm in today. More importantly it was a good result for the team and probably deserved over the last few games."

Reflecting on his big block, which prevented goalkeeper Craig Gordon from facing a goalbound shot at close range, Devlin admitted he was just relieved to avoid conceding a penalty.

"At times that's what you have to do as a defender. I probably took inspiration from watching the boys the last few games. They've had to make a lot of blocks and Craigy's made a few big saves so you've just got to go on and do your part. When I went to block it your conscious of trying to keep your arms down. I knew I was probably the last line before Craigy was going to have to save it so I managed to keep my arms away from the block thankfully."

Devlin revealed he was given a special memento from head coach Steve Clarke to mark his first cap but was unable to get his hands on Cristiano Ronaldo's top after the Portugal superstar left the field in a strop.

"I think Che [Adams] might have got his top to be fair," he said. "I don't think he was too happy at the end... I got one with my name on the back and the number one which the manager gave me, so I was delighted with that."