The Australian midfielder navigates football’s highs and lows.
Football is a game of peaks and troughs, and Hearts have experienced more struggles than successes this season. Midfielder Cammy Devlin shared his emotional rollercoaster with Edinburgh News ahead of the Boxing Day derby against Hibs. The ups and downs of the 2024/25 season have tested the Australian, but he understands it’s part of the territory.
Sunday’s 2-1 win over St Johnstone marked a significant positive, lifting Hearts out of the relegation zone as the campaign’s halfway point nears. It was a crucial result, complemented by Devlin’s standout form, establishing him as Hearts’ best midfielder this season.
However, challenges remain, including an upcoming suspension and lingering concerns about the situation at Tynecastle Park.
On his current form, Devlin reflected: “It’s great to be playing regularly and performing well, but I’d happily be the worst player every week if it meant we won games. Football is a team effort, and at a club like this, winning is an expectation, especially at home. Playing consistently has helped me find form, and I just want to keep contributing to more victories.”
Hearts’ plight isn’t lost on the Australian. “The situation we’re in is tough, and the feeling is horrible, but we’ve spoken about standing up and being counted. At a club like Hearts, there’s pressure, but that’s a privilege. It wasn’t about performance on Sunday—it was about getting the win.”
The same mindset applies to the derby against Hibs. Having played for Hearts for over three years, Devlin understands what the occasion demands. “Derbies aren’t always pretty. They’re about heart, passion, and desire—wanting it more than your opponent. It’s about winning, climbing the table, and building momentum.”
Hearts can leapfrog Hibs into eighth place with a win, though the visitors arrive in good form after three wins from their last four matches. Devlin remains focused: “It’s not just about beating Hibs—it’s about us. We said on Sunday, ‘Let’s do this for ourselves, the dressing room, and the club.’ If we can win, we keep building and climbing.”
Since Devlin’s arrival, Hearts have lost just one of 13 derbies against Hibs, and he’s clear about his favorite aspect of the fixture: “Winning,” he smiled. “At the end of the day, I want to walk off the pitch with three points.”
Devlin’s determination and energy are central to his game but sometimes result in fouls and cautions. His sixth yellow card of the season, earned against St Johnstone, means he’ll miss Sunday’s game against Ross County. However, he’s eligible for the derby and eager to contribute. “I’m disappointed about the suspension, but my focus is on Hibs. Whoever steps in against Ross County will do a great job.”
