Devlin’s learning from star after nicking shirt

better. From what I have seen of him playing, he was more of a threat in the final third than me.

“He once scored a hat- trick against Chelsea and I don’t see myself doing that any time soon!

“But the other side of the game? I’ve watched clips of him playing for Hearts before I signed, where he got stuck in.

“And I think everyone knows that’s my game.

“I prefer to do the dirty work for the pretty boys up front so they can do the stuff I wish I could do!

“We have a lot of similarities. He likes that part of me and has told me never to change it.

“It’s the other side of the game I know I need to improve on to get to where I want to.

“That’s what he can help me with. I’m loving it right now.”

Whisper it but another guy Devlin wouldn’t mind playing for will be in the opposite dugout at Tynecastle today.

So far in his career he hasn’t played in a team led by fellow Aussie Ange Postecoglou.

But the success Celtic’s manager has enjoyed in Scotland hasn’t surprised Devlin in the slightest. Because when it comes to inf luential coaching figures in Australian football, he reckons Postecoglou is the Godfather.

Devlin said: “As a kid I saw him bring a lot of success to clubs back home then the national team.

“He gave Aussies older than me so much success that helped them have careers overseas.

“Ange changed the game and the dynamics of footbal l in Australia, which has made it a lot better and given kids like me opportunities.

“He then went to Japan and did well for his club there, winning the league.

“Now he’s at Celtic, I’m seeing close up how good they are.

“I think he’s a great coach and the way his team plays is very entertaining.

“It’s tough to play against, there’s no getting away from that.

“But I’m trying to get one over him this time. I haven’t been able to do that yet o it would be great.

“Not because he’s Australian, just because I want to win games for Hearts. Would I like to play for

Ange one day? I can’t comment on that!

“But he’s an Australian and I respect what he has done for our game.

“It’s fair to say a lot of Scottish people who didn’t think he’d do well probably look up to him now.

“Certainly, if you’re a Celtic fan you’ll feel that way.

“And for Australian football, if you ask any coach or player, they’ll tell you he has changed the game.

“To see any Aussie doing well in sport, I’m buzzing for that. It’s great to see him do well – just not against Hearts.”

While Devlin is now settled in Scottish football, countryman Garang Kuol has struggled to find his feet so far in the Premiership.

The young striker arrived on loan from Newcastle United after earning a dream move to the Premier League from Central Coast Mariners.

Kuol joined Devl in in the Socceroos’ World Cup squad in Qatar last December.

The 18-year- old has failed to make an impact in Gorgie but the midfielder wants to help him shine. Devlin said: “We’ve taken different journeys.

“I became a professional in Australia at 20 whereas he got a move to the Premier League at 18.

“He has signed for Newcastle after 15 games back home and he’s been to a World Cup.

“It’s a dream come true for him and he deserves everything that comes his way.

“If I can help him, even one per cent or 10 per cent, then I’ll try to do that.

“It’s hard coming over to the other side of the world on your own, away from family.

“Especially when there’s a lot of expectation to do well.