Cammy Devlin has expressed his delight at being back on the training pitch and admits he’s ready to make his return and help the Jambos’ get back to winning ways this Saturday.
The Aussie has been unavailable since limping off in the closing stages against St Mirren in the middle of January, but his full focus is now on the final eight matches of the Premiership season.
Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s Foundation of Hearts match, Devlin said:
“I’m really happy to be back. Obviously, it’s been a tough couple of months. I’ve found it quite tough in terms of just being away from doing what you love, obviously, with how everything was going this season, and is still going, just being away from it has been tough. I guess it’s just part and parcel of football. You’ve got to overcome challenges all the time and injuries are part of it.
“I haven’t enjoyed it at all. So, to be on the other side of it now, out of that physio room and back with my mates on the grass, it’s been really exciting. Obviously, you take the time to kind of work on other things in your body and get yourself strong and fit and ready to go for what is going to be a massive end to the season. That was always my focus, just do everything in my power, everything possible to come back in the best possible way I can.”
When asked what it’s been like watching from the sidelines, laughing, Devlin replied, “Oh, honestly, I’m a nervous wreck.”
“I can understand why fans get so angry now, because being on that side of it, it’s been hard. We’ve been laughing in the physio room with the boys that have been out. We’ve really been Hearts fans over the past couple of months.
“Obviously, when the boys win, it’s great. That Derby moment when Tómas scored will stick with me for a while, going absolutely mental. I remember my ankle felt a bit sore that night because I was jumping about like an idiot.
“So, it’s good when the boys win because that’s what you want to be a part of. You want to be a part of the wins. When I’ve been in the stand and the boys have won, I’ve celebrated it like I was out there.
“When the boys have had tough games or tough results, you just want to be there as a mate, support them as much as you can, whether that’s speaking to the group, that’s more Shanks, who speaks to the group, or speaking to individuals, texting them after the game, just kind of lifting the spirits.
“Not something you want to do because you want to be out there, be a part of it and make your voice heard, which is something that I try and do as much as I can.
“I loved the games just as much as I did when I’m out there on the pitch because it meant the boys were winning. I’ve been so proud watching all the boys still doing so, so well.
“We’ve got such a good group. Boys have dropped out all season, and everyone’s stepped up. There are real leaders in that group, so just happy to be back amongst it and hopefully play my part again.”
You can watch Cammy’s press conference in full on Hearts TV.
