Cammy Devlin opened up about the intense pressure he experienced during the 2026 World Cup as he prepared for a high‑profile transfer to Rangers. The 28‑year‑old, known for his combative midfield style, had just endured a heartbreaking conclusion to his season with Heart of Midlothian. Hearts were edged out of the Scottish Premiership title on the final matchday after a late defeat away to Celtic, which secured the champions’ fifth successive crown.
Still reeling from that disappointment, Devlin joined the Australian national side on a trip to North America, where the Socceroos were eliminated in the round of 32 by Egypt after a penalty shoot‑out. Throughout his international campaign, rumours swirled about a possible reunion with former Hearts manager Derek McInnes and former teammate and Scotland captain Lawrence Shankland – both of whom had already taken up positions at Ibrox. On 11 July, just one day after Hearts announced that Devlin would be leaving the club on a free transfer, he signed a two‑year contract with Rangers, with an option to extend for a further year. He made his debut in a Rangers shirt in the second half of a 2‑1 friendly win over Saint‑Étienne at Ibrox, impressing both the travelling Light Blues supporters and McInnes himself.
Ahead of Rangers’ final pre‑season friendly against West Ham United, the Sydney‑born midfielder reflected on the whirlwind of events. "It was stressful, to be honest," he admitted. "It was hard, obviously. We didn’t have much time to process how the previous season ended, and then we were thrust straight into the World Cup – one of the most special moments in a player’s career." He went on to describe how his family had travelled to the United States to support him, a privilege he never imagined as a child.
"You never think as a kid you’d be lucky enough to be involved in that, so you try to enjoy it as much as you can," he said. Devlin explained that he had initially thought it would be a good idea to enter the World Cup while his contract was expiring, but the reality turned out to be far more taxing than he anticipated.
"It was too stressful. It was hard to enjoy being in the moment and being at the World Cup while dealing with all the noise around it. My dad was calling me every day asking what was happening," he recalled. The constant media scrutiny, the pressure of representing his country, and the looming uncertainty about his club future created a perfect storm of anxiety.
He also touched on his close relationship with McInnes, noting that the manager had been a pivotal figure during his time at Hearts. "He was so good for me at Hearts. Everyone knows the season we had there last year and he helped me so much as a player," Devlin said. When McInnes accepted the Rangers job, their contact increased, but Devlin was careful not to let the potential move dominate his thoughts.
"I was trying not to focus too much on it and just enjoy the World Cup," he explained. "When the opportunity came, it was one I thought was too good to pass up.
Being at Rangers is a massive step, but it was pretty stressful at the time. I’m glad it’s all over now." Rangers will kick off their new campaign under McInnes on 31 July with a match against Dundee United, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The Friday night fixture, starting at 8 p.m., marks the beginning of a historic opening weekend in which all six Scottish Premiership games will be shown live for the first time. This will also be McInnes’s first competitive appearance as Rangers manager after replacing Danny Röhl.
The move to Rangers represents a significant chapter in Devlin’s career. After a season that saw Hearts fall just short of the title and a brief, disappointing World Cup run, the midfielder now faces the challenge of establishing himself at one of Scotland’s biggest clubs.
The expectations are high, both from the club’s passionate fan base and from Devlin’s own ambition to prove himself on a larger stage. While the transition has been emotionally taxing, he appears ready to embrace the new environment, drawing on the support of his family, the guidance of his former manager, and the determination that has defined his playing style. Fans can follow Rangers’ upcoming fixtures, including the first Old Firm clash of the season, through the club’s official channels. The club also encourages supporters to engage with interactive promotions, such as the Super 6 competition offering a chance to win £250,000, which is being run free of charge.
As Devlin settles into life at Ibrox, the focus will shift from the stress of his recent past to the excitement of contributing to Rangers’ quest for domestic and European success.