Cammy Devlin seized the opportunity to announce himself as a Rangers player in the friendly against St. Etienne.
The Australian international made himself at home instantly, taking no time to get to work when he was introduced at the start of the second half on Wednesday night.
The 28-year-old, Sydney-born player typically launched himself into tackles and duels, immediately raising the tempo in the midfield for Derek McInnes’ team and it was that increase of energy and application that turned the game Rangers’ way.
He was the catalyst for the second-half upturn in the narrow win over the Ligue 2 side.
Cammy Devlin displays leadership credentials
Beyond his aggression and intensity, he showed that he won’t be overwhelmed by the weight of a Rangers shirt.
We won’t get carried away with a pre-season game, but he was vocal, demanding, and showed personality.
That’s leadership. Talking, pointing fingers and raising expectations from others.
For too often, Rangers’ supposed leadership has talked a good game, but the output on the pitch has been posted missing.
“Super special” experience for Devlin
Devlin will be an interesting player this season.
He won’t be expected to be a main player, but he seems determined to force himself into that reckoning.
The former Hearts man was beaming with satisfaction after his first run-out at Ibrox, with an improved level of performance from the team securing the late win through Thelo Aasgaard’s penalty.
“I don’t don’t know if that was me or everyone just just played really well, he said.
“Happy to play my part and like I said, just loved being out there with the boys. Really super special coming here for my first game as a Rangers player.”
Immediately, Cammy Devlin has got the Rangers fans onside. He was even awarded the sponsors’ Man of the Match despite playing for just 45 minutes.
If he continues to impress, in his inimitable, committed and aggressive manner, Rangers could well have inherited more than expected with the capture of the diminutive midfield operator.
