By Stuart Mitchell

FORMER Scotland International and Aberdeen striker Billy Dodds believes Nicky Devlin could be the answer to Steve Clarke’s dilemma at right back for the upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Portugal.

The 30-year-old defender’s call-up may be a surprise to some, but with Nathan Patterson and Aaron Hickey unavailable for selection, the nation has been looking for a solution in that position, and Dodds thinks Clarke’s tactical approach may suit the ex-Ayr United player.

He said: “To get an opportunity to play for your country, it’s something he probably thought wasn’t coming, but fair play to him. Let’s be honest, it has been a bit of a problem position, so we’re on the search for someone just now with all the injuries, and the system we play probably frees him up a bit to get forward.”

Dons defender Devlin has played every minute of his team’s Scottish Premiership campaign so far, as the Pittodrie club have won each of their first six league matches, and Dodds highlights his part in their success.

“A big part of Aberdeen this season is going forward and they’ve got the double bass now of Shinnie and Nilsen, which allows him to get forward but still keeps it secure for Aberdeen. That helps Nicky’s game, in terms of mentally in his head.”

Devlin made the move to the North East after four years at Livingston, and the national call-up shows his continuing rise.

Dodds added: “It’ll be huge for him personally, when your club’s going well, and you’re at a big club like Aberdeen it comes with a lot of positivity. It’ll be massive for him.”

Aston Villa’s John McGinn is out with an injury picked up in the Premier League victory over Wolves last month, with Las Palmas defender Scott McKenna also absent. Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson continues his recovery after a serious knee injury, earlier this year.

There is further involvement for former Honest Man, Lawrence Shankland. The Hearts striker scored 31 goals last season, and scored his first of the season against Ross County on Saturday and Dodds believes the forward will continue to feel confident and his recent strike could ignite his scoring account.

“He’s a confident boy anyway, all you’ve got to realise is strikers go through periods when they’re not scoring goals. He did get off the mark on Saturday.

“You’ve got to have it in your head as a striker, that you’re going to go through barren spells and it’s whether you accept it or keep doing the same things until you start scoring again, and I think you’ll find over the next few weeks, he’ll start to net two or three goals, so I think it’s just about handling it mentally for Shankland.”

Preston North End and former Partick Thistle centre-back Liam Lindsay is in the squad for a first time, and West Ham United midfielder Andy Irving are other fresh faces in this month’s squad.

Heart of Midlothian stopper Craig Gordon is involved once again and will be looking to add to his 75 caps, and help the National Team pick up their first points in the Nations League after narrow defeats to Poland and Portugal.

Boss Clarke commented: “He’s the number 1 at Hearts, he’s playing every week. We need three goalkeepers. What better than to bring Craig back.”

When the manager was asked about the possibility that his last cap may have been his final one, Clarke added: “Craig told me it was not a farewell, that he would see me in the future. He has lived up to his promise.”

Scotland take on Croatia in Zagreb on October 12 before they return to face Portugal at Hampden Park on October 15.