Cammy Devlin explains Hearts transformation that led to emotional Australia debut back in New Zealand

Cammy Devlin says his move to Hearts has “completely changed” him after making his Australia debut last weekend.

The Aussie made the move from Newcastle Jets despite not playing a game for the A-League side before heading to Gorgie last September. Devlin ’s impressive stats caught the eye of the jambos’ recruitment department in their hunt for midfield reinforcements. He has since established himself as a key member of Robbie Neilson ’s midfield and is a firm favourite amongst fans, as much for his attitude and personality as his displays in maroon.

Neilson previously confirmed that Devlin had been close to joining Tynecastle teammate Nathaniel Atkinson in Graham Arnold’s squad, but was denied by injury. He finally got the call for two warm-up friendlies against New Zealand this month and came on as a second half sub during Sunday’s 2-0 victory in Auckland. Devlin is now very much in contention to make the squad that will head to the World Cup in Qatar this November.

After playing for his country’s Under 23s at the Tokyo Olympics, Devlins has credited his switch to the Scottish capital as the catalyst for going on to gain full international recognition in the green and gold. And it’s not just on the pitch where he’s seen improvements.

"I think it's changed me completely to be honest," he said. “You're moving overseas to the unknown, and there weren't a lot of Aussies when I went over there - I was one of the only young ones at the time I started.

"I've never lived on my own before, so to do that, I think it changes you personally and makes you grow up - you have no choice. Then on the football side of things, it asks a lot more of your body and it matures not only yourself as a person, but your body and the way you