Devlin’s frustration is not simply about missing out on the Scottish Premiership. The way the final day unfolded appears to have left a deeper mark, with the midfielder insisting the scenes on the pitch were far removed from the sport’s values.
He described the invasion as something that made an already disappointing occasion worse, adding: “Isso não é o que o futebol representa.” For a player who regarded the campaign as a strong one for a special club, the ending has created an emotional burden he now wants to put down.
The report says Devlin returned to the Socceroos after almost two years and made a brief appearance in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland, his first outing under Tony Popovic.
The minutes were limited, but the significance was not. Devlin said he needed to “brigar pelo meu espaço” - fight for his place - and treated the opportunity as a reminder that international football still rewards intensity, discipline and commitment.
He also called the tournament an escape from the club disappointment, saying: “Tenho sorte de poder vir para cá, e uma Copa do Mundo é uma boa maneira de esquecer o que aconteceu no clube.”
Devlin is reportedly without a contract, leaving Hearts and the player with an important decision after the World Cup. He has spoken warmly about feeling at home in Edinburgh and maintaining a good relationship with manager Derek McInnes, but his next move remains unclear.
“É difícil porque sei que tenho uma decisão enorme para tomar,” Devlin said. For now, international duty comes first.
The next storyline will be whether Devlin can turn this reset into a strong World Cup campaign - and return from it with clarity over his future at Hearts or elsewhere.