Neil Critchley slams 'unacceptable' Hearts leak as updates given on departing duo

Neil Critchley stressed he has no desire to let Cammy Devlin leave Hearts as he rapped an “unacceptable” leak of details surrounding the Australian midfielder’s contract.

It was reported on Friday morning that there is a release clause of just over £280,000 in his deal which currently has another 18 months to run, with English Championship strugglers Portsmouth and MLS side New York City FC said to be considering a move for the 26-year-old this month.

Critchley was irked that details of the clause had been made public and said he was unaware of any interest in Devlin.

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley has been irked by the leak of Cammy Devlin's release clause. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

“No, we’ve not had anything on Cammy, so that’s the first I’ve heard of it,” he said. “What I would say is certain information that has been leaked is unacceptable.

“Gossip and transfer rumours is one thing, but leaking information that should be confidential to a player, club etc goes beyond the line and doesn’t help anybody.

“It wasn’t accurate anyway, but in terms of Cammy being linked to other clubs, we’ve not had anything from any other club regarding Cammy.”

Asked if there was a clause in Devlin’s deal, Critchley said: “I’m not going to discuss players’ personal contracts, I wouldn’t discuss your (journalists’) contract with other people and I’m certainly not going to get into whether Cam’s got a release clause.

“It’s not right, it doesn’t help in terms of signing players and retaining players. Whoever’s done that or wherever that’s come from, I wouldn’t class them as somebody who’s got the best interests at heart for Hearts Football Club.”

Critchley said he had not spoken to Devlin since the report emerged but he views the Aussie – who has started 12 of the last 13 games under Critchley – as a key player going forward.

“This is the first time I’ve heard about it since I came back from training this afternoon,” he said. “That’s the first time I’ve heard anything about Cam during this window.

“He’s been outstanding for us, fantastic, and all you’ve got to do is see him train this morning and know that it’s business as usual.

“I love his personality, I love his infectious enthusiasm every single day. He’s a winner, he’s a competitor and you want as many of those around you as possible.”

One player moving on is Northern Irish forward Liam Boyce, who is close to finalising a move to Derry City in his homeland after five years at Hearts.

The 33-year-old has started the last three games in the absence of injured skipper Lawrence Shankland but has generally been hindered by fitness issues since rupturing his ACL in August 2022.

“He’s in negotiations with another club right now,” confirmed Critchley. “That’s something he wants to do for his family.

“Boycey, quite rightly, wants to play. He’s got an opportunity, hopefully, to go and play more football. He’s been brilliant in the last few weeks and he’s a great guy.

“He’s a really good professional and he’s helped the others in the group in his short period on the pitch. He’ll be missed. I hope the move happens for him, because he wants it to happen.”

Australian defender Kye Rowles also appears to be close to leaving for MLS side DC United but currently remains part of Hearts’ squad for Sunday’s trip to Aberdeen.

“Nothing’s been agreed at present, so he’s still our player,” said Critchley. “At this moment in time he’s here, he’s training and he’s available for Sunday, but obviously we’re still Friday and there’s 48 hours between now and kick-off.”