Cammy Devlin Reflects on Transfer to Rangers and His World Cup Journey

Cammy Devlin, Rangers’ Australian midfielder, recently opened up about his transition from Hearts to the prestigious Scottish club, noting the emotional weight of his departure. “It was really hard to say goodbye,” he confessed, acknowledging the deep connection he built during his five years at Hearts.

During an interview with Football360 at Rangers' training facilities in Glasgow, Devlin described his challenging decision, which unfolded while he was vying for a spot on Australia’s World Cup roster. The allure of playing for a club like Rangers proved too tempting to decline, despite the bittersweet nature of leaving Hearts behind.

As he gears up for the upcoming Old Firm Derby—after Rangers' impressive 3-0 victory in the Scottish League Cup—Devlin marvels at the scale of competing at such an elite level. “It’s bigger than you think,” he said of the club’s stature, expressing awe at the reality of being part of it.

Devlin’s arrival at Rangers aligns him with past Aussie legends such as Craig Moore and Kevin Muscat, and he reflected on his humble beginnings in Sydney. Before his professional career, he worked at Rebel Sport while playing youth football for Sydney FC, often contemplating whether he would ever gain the opportunity to play at such a level.

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“I think the one thing I’ve always prided myself on is hard work and dedication,” Devlin shared. His journey was anything but straightforward; he spent time coaching youth teams while recovering from injuries and envying peers who made it as professionals before him. But he persevered, eventually finding success in the A-League before moving to Scotland.

His time at Hearts resulted in more than 150 appearances, and he played a crucial role in the team's title pursuit last season, which concluded dramatically with Celtic claiming victory. The uncertainty surrounding his move abroad—evaluating the risks and expectations—was daunting. “Being an Aussie trying to come overseas is hard enough,” he noted, acknowledging the unknown challenges he faced upon making the leap.

Reflecting on his time at Hearts, Devlin expressed gratitude for the experiences gained: “I never knew how long I would be there and the opportunities it would bring.” He values the friendships and memories formed along the way, stating how it feels surreal to step into the club’s iconic environment.

Devlin’s path from Hearts to Rangers also means reuniting with familiar faces, including head coach Derek McInnes and teammate Lawrence Shankland, both pivotal in his previous endeavors. “Saying goodbye to something that means so much to me and all my mates was tough,” Devlin remarked, expressing his deep attachment to Hearts.

Just three days after the emotional end of his Hearts tenure, Devlin flew to the World Cup in America, focusing his energy on performing while managing the complexities of potential transfers in the background. “I didn’t enjoy it to be honest,” he said, reflecting on the conflicting priorities during his World Cup stint.

Despite the pressure, perspectives shifted as he emphasized the importance of the experience. “You try to remind yourself you’re one of only 26 of us here.” He described the shared camaraderie among players, sharing moments with long-term acquaintances made through the ranks of Australia’s national teams.

Having not seen game time in either the 2022 or 2026 World Cups, Devlin maintains a hopeful outlook as he adjusts to life with Rangers, believing it will give him a platform to showcase his abilities for future national team opportunities, particularly with the Asian Cup on the horizon.

Devlin reminisced warmly about his experiences at the World Cup despite the disappointment of not playing. “Both experiences were the best times of your life,” he stated proudly, and though sidelined, he cherished the moments shared with teammates while facing world-class opponents like France and Argentina.

A notable highlight from 2022 remains a jersey exchange with Lionel Messi, an unforgettable moment for the young athlete. “The Messi jersey is back home, locked up,” he beamed, recognizing the significance of meeting such a celebrated figure in football. “Probably the weirdest experience of my life. Pretty cool moment to meet the best of all time, something I’ll remember forever.”

As Devlin looks ahead to his journey with Rangers, he carries the hopes of both club and country on his shoulders. His blend of determination and gratitude paints a picture of a player ready to seize the opportunities that lie ahead, both on and off the pitch.