Cammy Devlin spoke candidly about the intense pressure he experienced during the 2026 World Cup as he prepared for his transfer to Rangers. The 28‑year‑old, known for his combative style in midfield, had just endured a heart‑breaking finale to the Scottish Premiership campaign with Hearts. A late defeat away to Celtic on the final day handed the title to the Glasgow side for a fifth consecutive season, leaving Devlin and his teammates stunned. In the wake of that disappointment, Devlin joined the Australian national squad for the World Cup in North America.
The Socceroos’ journey was short‑lived, ending in the round of 32 when they fell to Egypt in a penalty shoot‑out. Throughout the tournament, rumors swirled about a possible reunion with former Hearts manager Derek McInnes, who had taken the helm at Rangers, and with club captain Lawrence Shankland, also a former Hearts player now wearing the blue jersey. On 11 July, just one day after Hearts announced that Devlin would leave Tynecastle on a free transfer, the midfielder signed a two‑year contract with Rangers, with an option for a third year. He made his debut for the new club in the second half of a 2‑1 pre‑season friendly against St Étienne at Ibrox, earning praise from the travelling Rangers supporters and from McInnes himself.
Ahead of the final pre‑season clash against West Ham United, Devlin reflected on the whirlwind of events that had unfolded over the past few months. "It was stressful, to be honest," he admitted. "We didn’t have much time to process how the season ended with Hearts, and then we were thrust straight into the World Cup – one of the most special moments of any player's career." He described the unique situation of having his family – his mother, father and girlfriend – travel across the Atlantic to cheer him on in the tournament.
"As a kid you never imagine you’ll get the chance to represent your country on that stage, so you try to soak up every moment," he said. "I thought being out of contract would give me some freedom, but it turned out to be far more stressful than I expected." Devlin explained that the combination of World Cup duties, contract negotiations and constant media speculation made it difficult to enjoy the experience. "Every day my dad was calling, asking what was happening. The noise around the transfer, the rumors about joining Rangers, it was all a lot to handle," he said.
"But everyone knows the bond I have with Derek. We’re very close, and he helped me a great deal at Hearts." He recalled the previous season at Hearts, where McInnes had guided the club through a dramatic title chase and provided invaluable mentorship. "He was fantastic for me as a player. When he took the Rangers job, we kept in touch, but it wasn’t a constant conversation," Devlin noted.
"I can imagine that once he became the Rangers manager, his responsibilities multiplied, and it wasn’t just about me any more." Despite the pressure, Devlin said he tried to keep his focus on enjoying the World Cup while also weighing the opportunity to join one of Scotland’s biggest clubs. "When the chance to sign for Rangers came, it felt too good to turn down," he explained.
"Rangers are a massive club with a huge fanbase, and the prospect of playing under Derek again was tempting, even if it added to the stress." Now that the transfer is completed and the pre‑season is winding down, Devlin expressed relief that the hectic period is behind him. "It was definitely stressful, but I’m glad it’s over now," he said with a smile.
"I’m excited to start this new chapter at Rangers and to give everything for the fans." Rangers will kick off Derek McInnes’s tenure with a league match against Dundee United on 31 July, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The Friday night fixture, set for an 8 p.m. kickoff, marks the start of a historic opening weekend in which all six Scottish Premiership games will be shown live on the network for the first time.
This encounter will also be McInnes’s first competitive appearance as Rangers manager, following his appointment after Danny Röhl’s departure. Fans can follow the full schedule of Rangers’ Premiership fixtures, including the date of the season’s first Old Firm clash, by visiting the club’s official website.
Additionally, a promotional Super 6 competition offers a chance to win a £250,000 prize, with free entry for participants. Overall, Devlin’s story illustrates the emotional roller‑coaster that can accompany a high‑profile move in professional football: the disappointment of a lost title, the pride of representing one’s country, the relentless speculation of the media, and finally the relief of securing a new contract with a storied club. As the new season approaches, both Devlin and Rangers will look to translate that blend of experience and ambition into success on the pitch.