If you have a muslin square it is less distracting than a teddy, although people choose all sorts for a lovey. If he does attach though, be warned, you need at least 2 if not half a dozen of the item due to wash and general wear and tear...and in the unfortunate event of a lost lovey which is heart breaking!
You can begin to encourage attachment by wearing it inside your clothes for a day or night to get your scent on, then hold it every time you hold him, place it between you or in his hands each E time, when playing, when cuddling, singing, during wind down etc etc so that it is always there (just like you are), don't just keep it for nap times it can be with you/him all day long and if he gets hurt (8 months, sitting, falling over, bum,ping head a lot??) then grab it so it is there when you comfort him for the bumps. it takes time.
Good luck for tonight.