Cammy Devlin has opened up about the emotional toll of navigating his transfer to Rangers during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the experience as "too stressful" as speculation swirled around his future.

The 28-year-old midfielder left Hearts on a freedom of contract at the end of last season — a campaign that ended in heartbreak when Celtic claimed a fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title with a late win over Hearts on the final day. Devlin then flew to North America with Australia, where the Socceroos were eliminated at the last-32 stage by Egypt on penalties.

All the while, rumours linked him with a switch to Ibrox, where former Hearts manager Derek McInnes had already taken charge and captain Lawrence Shankland had also made the move. On July 11 — the day after Hearts officially confirmed his departure — Devlin put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Rangers, with the option of a third year.

Enjoying the moment was 'hard'

Speaking ahead of Rangers' pre-season friendly against West Ham on Sunday, Devlin reflected candidly on those uncertain weeks in America. "It was stressful to be honest," he said. "We didn't have much time to reflect on how last season ended and then it was straight into the World Cup, which is one of the most special moments of your career."

With his parents and girlfriend in the stands supporting him, Devlin admitted that the constant noise around his future made it difficult to be present. "I thought it would be a good idea going in there off contract, but it wasn't," he said. "It was too stressful. It was hard to enjoy being in the moment and dealing with all that and all the noise around it. I had my dad asking me every day what's going on."

A close bond with McInnes

Central to Devlin's eventual decision was his relationship with McInnes. "Everyone knows the relationship I have with the gaffer. We're super close," he said. "He was so good for me at Hearts and helped me so much as a player. So obviously I was speaking to him."

Devlin was careful to acknowledge that McInnes — who replaced Danny Röhl as Rangers manager — had far bigger priorities upon arriving at Ibrox than one player's contract situation. "When he became the Rangers manager, there was a lot more going on than just me, and you've got to remember that," Devlin said. "But when the opportunity came, it was one I thought was too good to pass up. Being at Rangers is such a massive football club. I'm glad now it's all over."

First taste of life at Ibrox

Devlin made his Rangers debut in the second half of Wednesday's 2-1 pre-season friendly win over St Etienne at Ibrox, impressing both the supporters and McInnes. He is one of seven new signings at the club this summer.

Rangers begin their Scottish Premiership campaign on July 31, travelling to Dundee Utd in an 8pm kick-off live on Sky Sports — McInnes's first competitive fixture in charge.