Cammy Devlin has described his World Cup experience in Qatar so far as “unreal.”
But the Hearts midfielder insists he’s not just there for the ride. He desperate to make his mark on football’s biggest stage rather than watch his Australia teammates from the sidelines as they take on world champions France, Tunisia and Denmark in Group D.
It’s many of Graham Arnold’s squad’s first taste of football at this level. To help them understand what they’re in for, Tim Cahill has joined his staff as head of delegation. He addressed the Socceroos squad in their team hotel this morning, drawing on his own experiences of Germany 2006 and Brazil 2014. Devlin then had a one-to-one chat with the former Everton favourite after training, and he’s trying to soak up everything he can from a fellow midfielder who did it at the highest level in England and for his country.
But Devlin was quick to remind Cahill that he didn't always enjoy watching him. A Liverpool fan, Devlin had to endure more than a few of his goals against the Reds in Merseyside derbies.
“It’s surreal to be here,” Devlin admitted. “That’s the first session out the way and everyone is slowly arriving and coming together. It’s unreal.
“I’ve been chatting to Timmy, just to pick someone’s brain to be at the top for so long. I met him earlier today in the cafe.
“Any chance to learn from someone who’s been at the top, I’ll take with both hands. He scored a few goals against my club Liverpool which I reminded him of just now!
“But he’s a legend of Australian football. I’m really happy to be around him and just learning off him.
“Being here, I'm super happy to be selected and to enjoy the experience. But at the same time, like any player, you want to play. I just need to do my best in every session and put my name there.
“Finger’s crossed I can get a game. Or all three would be unreal!”
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