Cammy Devlin’s sheer tenacity and determination has helped shape him into the player he is today.
The industrious midfielder wears his heart on his sleeve and embodies the Subway Socceroos’ spirit, demonstrating those attributes of grit and effort perfectly during his maiden start against Ecuador last month at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
Devlin had previously made his international debut in September 2022 against New Zealand in Auckland and was later included in Graham Arnold’s FIFA World Cup 26-player squad bound for Qatar.
His father, Andrew, is incredibly proud of what he has so far achieved in the game he loves and revealed how his son broke the news he would be named from the outset.
“It's pretty incredible, it's been a massive dream,” he told Socceroos.com.au at a pre-match family and friends’ function across the road from Marvel Stadium.
“I’ve got to say, I don't know how I'll be able to handle it when the anthem is playing, because that's been a massive dream for both Cam and I.
“We've talked about it for a long time to stand up there with the national team while the anthem plays.
“It's been a long time coming and he had an inkling that it could be coming tonight.
“But he still wasn't sure. Even last night I was speaking to him and he said, 'I'm not going to say it until it actually occurs'.
“But he sent us a text today and sent a text to our whole family and just said I'm starting and we're so excited, we just can't believe it actually.”
But what has made this believable is a testament to his development over the past three years.
Since impressing with Wellington Phoenix and making the most of his opportunity, a move to Scotland followed and he has continued to elevate his game both from a technical and tactical aspect.
The 24-year-old is close to completing another strong season with Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premier League, again featuring prominently in the centre of the park.
Across all competitions in 2022/23, Devlin has two goals and seven assists in 36 appearances.
Andrew admitted that he is thrilled his son has been able to handle any new challenge that has been thrown at him.
“He just keeps on stepping up,” he explained.
“Whatever level he gets thrown at, he keeps on stepping up.
“And going over there to Hearts, they've really taken him on board and he loves Edinburgh.
“He loves the club and he's had a ball over there, and then when they went to Europe (in the UEFA Conference League), even played against Fiorentina and some of the massive teams over there in Europe.
“That was some of his best games, so he just keeps on stepping up and we're so proud, and I just hope that he can step up again tonight."
Indeed, he did. Devlin cut an energetic figure, bringing intensity and composure in an overly physical contest.
Devlin experienced the full force of that when he copped an accidental knee to the head after executing a perfectly timed tackle.
His father also recalled how much he enjoyed his time at the World Cup, despite not getting any game time.
“He loved it. I mean of course, we wanted to see him out on the paddock,” he continued.
“He was so keen to get out there and help the Australian side, but he loved the experience.
“He loved being around that crew. He said the team just get on so well. “And we have such a great time together and the camaraderie is amazing.
“So he loved the experience and I think he's grown from it and I hope he gets another taste.”