Cammy Devlin: It was ‘very stressful’ waiting for Rangers to make their move during the World Cup football news

Cammy Devlin has revealed the pressure he felt over the 2026 World Cup as he looked to move to Rangers.

After losing the Scottish Premiership title to Hearts on the final day of the season, with a late defeat to Celtic, who made it five in a row, the 28-year-old midfielder traveled to North America with Australia, who were knocked out of the tournament in the last-32 by Egypt on penalties.

Throughout his time with the Socceroos, there was speculation about the possibility of re-teaming with manager Derek McInnes and captain Laurence Shankland, who had both moved to Ibrox.

On 11 July, the day after Hearts confirmed that Devlin would leave Tynecastle on a free contract, he signed for Rangers on a two-year deal with the option of a further year.

He made his first appearance in a blue jersey in the second half of Wednesday’s 2-1 friendly win over St Etienne at Ibrox, where he impressed Light Blues fans and manager McInnes.

Ahead of the Gers’ final pre-season friendly against West Ham on Sunday, the Sydney-born player said: “Yeah, it was stressful to be honest.

“It was obviously tough. The way last season ended and then it went straight to the World Cup, that’s one of the most special moments of your career.

“My mum, dad and my girlfriend were over in America to support me at the World Cup. You never thought you’d be lucky enough to be involved in it as a kid so you’re just trying to enjoy it as much as you can.

“I thought going out of contract would be a good idea, but it wasn’t. It was too stressful.

“It was hard to enjoy being in the moment and being at the World Cup and dealing with all the noise around it. I had my dad asking me every day what was going on.

“But obviously everyone knows I’m in a relationship with the gaffer. We’re very close.

“He was very good for me at Hearts. Everyone knows the season we had there last year and he helped me a lot as a player.

“So obviously I was talking to him. And then when he got the job here, we had contact in the beginning, but not completely.

“I can imagine when he became Rangers manager, there was a lot more going on than just me and you have to remember that.

“So I was trying not to focus too much on it and, as I say, trying to enjoy the World Cup. But when the opportunity came, I thought it was too good to pass up.

“Obviously being at Rangers is a massive football club and that was it for me. But as I say, it was quite stressful. It’s all over now.”

Rangers started life under McInnes at Dundee Utd

Rangers begin life under Derek McInnes at Dundee United on July 31, live on Sky Sports.

Friday night’s clash, which kicks off at 8 p.m., will kick off a groundbreaking opening weekend that will see All six Scottish Premiership games are shown live Sky Sports the first time

The match will be McInnes’ first competitive match in charge He succeeded Danny Rohl as Rangers manager.

Click here For all of Rangers’ Premiership matches, including the date of the first Old Firm clash this season.