Michael Smith says Hearts ’ entire squad will be Australia fans for the World Cup after three of their own were handed tickets to Qatar.
Nathaniel Atkinson, Kye Rowles and Cammy Devlin discovered at the start of this week that they have been included in Graham Arnold’s Socceroos squad for the finals. On the domestic scene, the Jambos first need to take care of Livingston at home today as they look to go into the break in at least fourth place in the Premiership. Then all attention will turn to football’s biggest stage as 32 countries lock horns.
Smith won’t go so far as getting himself an Aussie cork hat but insists his Gorgie team-mates can count on unconditional support when they go up against holders France, Tunisia and Denmark in Group D. The former Northern Ireland right-back said: “It’s brilliant, we all have another team to support now. I’m looking forward to watching them play at the World Cup. If I can get the time to watch the games I will – if the kids let me!
“I’m buzzing for them. It will be a great experience.
“It’s massive for the club, it’s big for the league as well. There are quite a few going to the World Cup. It shows you the strength of the league and the players in it.
“You could tell when it was announced they were over the moon and there was a bit of relief because there was a nervousness there.”
Devlin was reduced to tears on being told of his inclusion by Arnold and Smith added: “The day the squad got released, the changing room was over the moon. We all saw the video of Cammy being told and that’s what he’s like – he wears his heart on his sleeve.
“He gives everything, I’m delighted for him.
“The last time was the first squad he was in, so to get into the squad for the World Cup is massive for him and probably a huge relief. It was probably emotionally draining for him. Now he’s got all the energy in the world again.”
Smith is thrilled fellow right-back Atkinson managed to put his injury problems behind him in time for Qatar after hailing his team-mate’s influence at Tynecastle. Je added: “He’s obviously a good player, he has good attributes.
“And like all the Aussie boys, he has a great attitude and a great way of life. He’s an easy boy to talk to. He’s had some injury problems and probably took a bit of adjusting to the league.
“But he was brilliant for us last year. Coming back from the World Cup, they’ll all be really strong and raring to go.”
With a demanding schedule in Europe now over, Smith says Hearts are determined to be as close as possible to third entering the shutdown. They go into the final games two points adrift of Aberdeen.
He added: “If we win against Livi, we’ll stay in touch with third place and no one can say it’s been a really bad start. We would probably have taken it if you are still in and around that with the number of games and changes we’ve had to make.
“There have been certain games where we have not been good enough but we know that. We’re coming into a bit of form and getting players back.”
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