Cammy Devlin opened up about the intense pressure he experienced during the 2026 World Cup as he prepared for a career‑changing move to Rangers. The 28‑year‑old, known for his gritty midfield style, had just endured a heart‑breaking finish to the Scottish Premiership campaign with Heart of Midlothian. 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 with a bitter taste in their mouths.
Instead of a summer of rest, Devlin found himself boarding a flight to North America to join the Australian national team, the Socceroos, for the World Cup. Australia’s tournament ended in the round of 32, where they were eliminated by Egypt after a tense penalty shoot‑out. Throughout the World Cup, rumors swirled about a possible reunion with former Hearts manager Derek McInnes, who had taken over at Rangers, and with club captain Lawrence Shankland, also a former Hearts player. The speculation added another layer of distraction to an already hectic schedule.
On July 11, just one day after Hearts announced that Devlin would be leaving Tynecastle 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 the famous blue strip during the second half of a 2‑1 pre‑season friendly win over French side St Étienne at Ibroq, earning praise from both the Rangers supporters and McInnes himself.
Ahead of the final pre‑season match against West Ham United, Devlin reflected on the whirlwind of events that had defined his summer. "It was stressful, to be honest," he admitted. "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 described the emotional roller‑coaster of having his parents and girlfriend travel across the Atlantic to cheer him on, something he never imagined as a child. The midfielder explained that he had initially believed signing for Rangers while still under contract with Hearts would be a smooth transition, but reality proved otherwise.
"Going into the deal off‑contract sounded like a good idea, but it turned out to be far too stressful," he said. "It was hard to enjoy the World Cup itself while juggling the noise, the media speculation, and constant phone calls from my dad asking what was happening." Devlin emphasized the deep bond he shares with McInnes, describing the manager as a mentor who helped him through a difficult season at Hearts. "Everyone knows how tough that season was for us, and Derek was a massive support both on and off the pitch. When he got the Rangers job, we kept in touch, but there wasn’t a lot of communication at first because he had a whole new set of responsibilities.
I can imagine that once he became the Rangers boss, his focus was spread across the entire squad, not just me." He added that he tried to keep his mind on the World Cup and not let the transfer talks dominate his thoughts. "I was trying not to focus too much on the move and just enjoy the tournament, but when the opportunity with Rangers presented itself, it felt too good to turn down.
Rangers are a massive club with a huge history, and the chance to wear that jersey was something I couldn’t ignore," Devlin explained. Despite the excitement, Devlin reiterated that the whole process was mentally draining.
"It was pretty stressful, but now that it’s over I feel a huge sense of relief," he said. He looks forward to starting his Rangers career with a competitive debut against Dundee United on July 31, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports as part of a historic opening weekend where all six Scottish Premiership games are shown live for the first time. The upcoming fixture will also mark McInnes’s first competitive appearance in charge of Rangers after replacing Danny Röhl. Devlin expressed confidence in the manager’s vision and his own readiness to contribute.
"I’m eager to get back to club football, to train with the squad every day, and to help the team push for titles. The stress of the past few weeks has faded, and I’m now focused on the challenges ahead at Ibrox." For Rangers fans, the signing of a player with World Cup experience and a proven track record in the Scottish league adds depth to a squad that aims to reclaim the Premiership crown. Devlin’s candid admission about the mental strain of juggling international duty, contract negotiations, and personal life offers a glimpse into the human side of professional football, reminding supporters that behind the headlines are individuals coping with pressure, expectations, and the desire to perform at the highest level.
As the new season approaches, Devlin is ready to channel the lessons learned from a turbulent summer into on‑field success, hoping to make a lasting impact at Rangers and perhaps help the club secure silverware for the first time in years. The journey from a stressful World Cup stint to the promise of a fresh start at Ibrox illustrates both the challenges and the opportunities that define a modern footballer's career.