Cammy Devlin on new Hearts role & what Naismith asks of him

Heart of Midlothian's Aussie midfielder described it as an attribute. Albeit his worst. It perhaps speaks to the patience or lack of from a player who just wants to be out on the pitch, harassing, hunting, haunting opponents, as he did to Alan Power, thundering into a challenge the only way he knows how, in the 1-0 win over Greenock Morton in the Scottish Cup quarter-final on Monday.

The 25-year-old can resemble Scrappy-Doo hepped up on amphetamines. His work rate, enthusiasm and attitude are infectious. 

READ MORE: The key Hearts attributes that form the identity of Steven Naismith's side

"I think everyone can see that when I am out there on the pitch [I want] to give back to the support that I have been given and the faith from the people here," Devlin said. "To be injured is horrible and you are in the dark but there are boys here who have been out a lot longer than me but credit to them because it is really hard.

"At the end of the day, every footballer goes through some form of injury during their career, whether they are really bad or not so bad. It builds resilience and you've got to be the one that comes back better otherwise you are the one that is going to be harmed."

Monday night was just his second start since coming back from a three-month lay-off. From the sidelines, Steven Naismith directed, encouraged and instructed, especially in the first half. Devlin was playing on the right of a midfield three and his manager wanted him to carry out different responsibilities. When the ball was with the backline, Devlin would need to take up a free position to offer an option but not to go searching for it. As play moved forward, Naismith wanted his midfielder to attack the space behind the Morton defence when Kenneth Vargas pulled wide.

"His message on Monday was to let the build-up happen," Devlin said. "I was one of the more attacking midfielders and if I had to drop in to get the ball then do so, but I was to get in the box and join the attacks.

"There's a bit of freedom to get up there when the ball is on the wing or whatever. Not that it doesn't come naturally to me but I'm used to backing up the play. It's about just building your all-round game, going from a defensive midfielder to an all-round midfielder. It's exciting."

Devlin is evolving. During his time out injured, rather than attend games to just watch, to be seen, he attended games with the view of not only supporting his teammates but also learning. A keen eye was cast on the movements of the midfielders. He made the gym his "best friend". He has also worked closely with the coaching staff to review clips of his game.

READ MORE: The key Hearts attributes that form the identity of Steven Naismith's side

In Naismith, he has a manager who wants to help him improve.

"He has put a lot of faith in me and sat me down and told me that my strong attributes he really likes and doesn't want me to change but also sees improvements in me that we have spoken about that he thinks will help me become a better player at the end of the day," Devlin explained. 

"I've really appreciated it because it would be easy for him to not do that but he sees something in me. I have appreciated the time they have all taken, Franky [McAvoy], Gordy [Forrest] and Naisy, to sit me down and show me clips. This bit where I win the ball back and start the play but then the next phase of the attack when the ball is moving forward to go and join in and create a little bit, be a bit braver on the ball. That is something I know I have got to improve, there are so many parts of my game I need to improve to get to where I want to be.

"To be given faith and be told where they want me to improve means they see something in me and it is about putting in the work to make it happen."

He added: "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."

READ MORE: The evolution of Cammy Devlin: Stats, positive signs, coach insight

Recalling his younger days, he started out as a striker but realised he liked tackling too much. Now a full international, what does the next evolution of Cammy Devlin look like?

"I'm not playing as a No.10," he said. "It's more a No.8. You are in between a defensive midfielder and an attacking midfielder. At the same time, I'm just as comfortable playing the defensive midfield role that Beni [Baningime] plays.

"Naisy is just showing me different little things. When we are training, he will break it and say, 'Cammy, you could maybe move outside here or move there'. It's about watching it back and picking up the information to improve myself as an all-round midfielder."

Now clear of injury, in Cammy Devlin, Naismith has a player at his disposal who wants to learn, wants to improve, wants to contribute. Someone who just wants to be out on the pitch.