Cammy Devlin 'frustrated' by Hearts benching as Aussie offers positive self assessment

Cammy Devlin admits his recent Hearts exclusion is frustrating during what he reckons has been his most consistent season in maroon.

The midfielder is usually one of the first picks in the Jambos side, but found himself cooling his heels on the bench at Ibrox and Hampden. Steven Naismith's team suffered a late collapse against Rangers in Govan, going from 1-0 up with a couple of minutes to go to 2-1 down by the time stoppage time had elapsed. They were then soundly beaten in the Viaplay Cup semi-final last Sunday.

Devlin started the midweek win over Livi that was bookended by the meetings with Philippe Clement's side, but found himself hooked at half-time after picking up a booking a minute before the break. Devlin also missed out on the latest Australia squad for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Palestine. Given Devlin rates this as his best campaign so far, it stings a little.

"It's probably a question for the coaches rather than me," he told the Edinburgh Evening News. "It's frustrating because I feel I've been playing some really good stuff this season on a more consistent basis than previous years. I've been confident going into games. Everyone knows my strengths in terms of winning the ball but I feel I'm doing more for the team on the ball.

"Any player wants to play every game and I'm no different. I will keep working hard in every session to be playing in every single game. It's only the two Rangers games I haven't started so I can't really be stressing too much - but, being the person I am, that's something I do naturally, anyway. If you feel sorry for yourself and get down in the dumps, the only person you will harm is yourself.

"Naisy, Frankie [McAvoy] and Gordy [Forrest] make