Andy Halliday has suggested that one Hearts player could be the answer to a growing problem at Celtic under Wilfried Nancy.
Nancy has made it clear that he wants Celtic to play on the front foot. The shape has been bold and attacking, with a back three and two central midfielders asked to cover a lot of ground.
That approach has led to chances and pressure, but it has also left space when the ball is lost. Celtic have conceded goals in moments where the team has been stretched.
At the same time, Devlin’s stock continues to rise at Hearts. He is out of contract next summer and has been one of the standout players in Scotland this season.
Hearts are currently six points clear at the top of the table, even though they have played one game more than Celtic. Devlin has been central to that run, both in breaking up play and in keeping the team moving forward.
What makes Devlin an interesting case is how his role has changed. He is no longer just a disruptor. This season, he has shown he can play in a team that controls games and dominates the ball most weeks.
That has added weight to the idea that he could fit into a side like Celtic, where possession is expected rather than optional.
Halliday laid out his view clearly when discussing where Devlin would fit best if he were to move on.
He said: (Clyde 1 Superscoreboard), “I think Celtic need a Cammy Devlin more than Rangers do.
“I just think with this shape that Wilfried Nancy is taking with Celtic, the 3-4-3 and the two in the midfield, I think Celtic need more legs next to Callum McGregor.
“I still think over the five games they look a little bit wide open at times, I think they look susceptible to counter-attacks, whereas I think Rangers need for a midfielder is more someone that can get on the ball and progress the game up the pitch and create chances.
“So I actually think the profile of a player like Cammy Devlin is, I think, more suited to what Celtic need than Rangers.”
Halliday’s point goes to the heart of Celtic’s current issue. McGregor is being asked to cover large areas of the pitch while also setting the tempo.
When Celtic lose the ball high up, there is often space behind him. A player like Devlin could reduce that risk by doing the unseen work and closing gaps before danger develops.
Devlin’s form this season suggests he is more than capable of that role. He has added discipline to his game and improved his use of the ball.
Hearts have not suffered from having him in a side that wants to play high up the pitch. Instead, he has helped them stay aggressive without becoming careless.
The contract situation adds another layer. With Devlin entering the final year of his deal next summer, Hearts will face a decision.
Either they secure his future or they risk losing a key player. That reality naturally leads to talk about interest from elsewhere, especially when his performances have been so consistent.
For Celtic, the appeal is clear. Nancy’s system demands energy and awareness in midfield.
It also demands players who accept the responsibility that comes with dominating games. Devlin has shown this season that he can meet those demands while still keeping his edge.
There is no suggestion that a move is close or even likely. Hearts are flying and Devlin is central to that success.
Still, Halliday’s comments reflect a wider feeling that Celtic’s problems are not only about defenders or finishing chances. They are also about control in the middle of the pitch.
As the season develops, Celtic will look to tighten up without losing their attacking intent. Whether that comes through coaching, January recruitment, or changes in roles remains to be seen.
What is clear is that players like Devlin now represent a profile that many believe Celtic lack.
Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Heart of Midlothian – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 7, 2025 Heart of Midlothian’s Cameron Devlin applauds fans after the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
For now, Devlin remains a Hearts player and arguably the player of the season so far in Scotland.
His influence has helped put Hearts in a commanding position at the top. If Celtic are serious about fixing their balance, it is easy to see why his name keeps coming up in the discussion.
