MY DAYS AS A STRIKER WERE DESTINED FOR SCRAPHEAP
CAMMY DEVLIN admits there’s a simple reason why his career as a striker was binned after just a handful of games.
In his own words, the Hearts livewire loves a tackle but put him in front of goal and the midfield scrapper is likely to suffer a nosebleed.
Five goals and 27 bookings in 92 outings in three years in Gorgie is all the evidence needed to back that up.
But ahead of today’s trip to Ross County, Devlin revealed he spent an early part of his career in Australia up front.
And under the guidance of Steven Naismith the 25-yearold Aussie international believes he’s rediscovering an attacking dimension in his game as he bids to become a midfield all-rounder. Charged with getting up to support the forwards in Monday’s Scottish Cup win at Morton, only a fine Ryan Mullen save denied the Aussie a stunning 25-yard goal.
He revealed: “I was a striker when I was younger but that only lasted a few games.
“It’s pretty clear I’m not the best goalscorer and I like tackling too much. That’s two pretty important things.
“I’m more of a midfielder in terms of winning that ball but I can play attacking midfield, middle or defensive mid. I’m comfortable in them all.
“Naisy has played at the highest level. I take in all the information I can and try to make it happen on the pitch.
His message to us on Monday was to let the build-up happen naturally.
“I was one of the more attacking midfielders and if I had to drop in to get the ball then I had to do so but I was also to get in the box and join the attacks. There’s a bit of freedom to get up there.
“It’s about building your all-round game, going from a defensive midfielder to an all-round midfielder.
“If someone is putting in time to make you better then embrace it and work hard because that’s how you become a better footballer.
“Naisy has been really good with me. He has put a lot of faith in me and told me my strong attributes he really likes but he also sees improve ments in me that will help me become a better player.”
Devlin, who only returned from three months out with an ankle injury last month, admits his latest Socceroos snub this week took the spring out his step even if it wasn’t a complete shock.
He treats every national call-up like the best day of his life so seeing the squad drop on Thursday morning minus his name hit hard.
It’s now a year since he was involved for Australia.
But Devlin is determined to put his injury hell behind him and force his way back into Graham Arnold’s Aussie squad in time for the summer World Cup qualifiers.
That can only be good news for Hearts as they look to cement third spot and go all the way in the Scottish Cup.
He said: “Every time I get that call-up, it’s the best day of my life. You are representing your country and going home to see your family.
“Unfortunately, I haven’t been selected. That’s life. I’ve been injured for threeand-a-half months but played a few games since.
“There is always that little bit of hope. The physios were in contact with me but I didn’t make the final squad.
“It’s up to me from now until the end of the season to play my best and hopefully get in the camp in the summer.
“There are some World Cup qualifiers happening in June so that’s the goal.”