Nicky Devlin wants extended Aberdeen FC stay as full back looks to catch the eye under Jimmy Thelin

Nicky Devlin is desperate to win a long-term contract under Jimmy Thelin at Aberdeen.

The defender is out-of-contract at the end of the season and initial talks have been held but have been put on the back burner with the arrival of the new manager. Devlin was one of the Dons’ top performers last season and is looking to continue to be a key figure under Thelin.

“This is my final year now,” the 30-year-old confirmed. From that point of view when a new manager comes in you have to prove yourself again. But at a club like Aberdeen you always have to prove you should be here and part of the squad. I will do that. I love playing up here and as long as I can perform well on a Saturday it gives me the best chance to stay here as long as I can. There has been stuff in the background but it was difficult towards the end of last season with the manager situation when Barry (Robson) left and then Neil (Warnock) came in for a period of time.

“And then they announced a new manager would come in. Obviously a new manager will come in with new ideas and ways he wants to do things. It was probably quite difficult at the end of last season.

“But fingers crossed. I can only concentrate on what I do whenever we play. If I do that and perform well then hopefully that kind of stuff takes care of itself.”

Aberdeen have made an instant impact under Thelin, kicking off their Premier Sports Cup campaign with a 100 percent record. Now they hope to continue that form when they kick-off their Premiership season at St Johnstone on Monday night.

The Swedish boss has given just about everybody in his squad a chance, opening the door for the likes of Vicente Besuijen and Pape Habib Gueye to try to salvage their Aberdeen careers. Devlin admitted: