'Leaks unacceptable' - Critchley angry over Hearts speculation

Cammy Devlin (left) has featured 18 times under Hearts head coach Neil Critchley

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley says "certain information that has been leaked is unacceptable".

Critchley addressed recent speculation regarding forward Liam Boyce and defender Kye Rowles, but was taken aback when the possibility of Cammy Devlin leaving was raised.

"No, we've not had anything on Cam, so that's the first I've heard of it," said Critchley of the Australia midfielder.

"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.

"It's the modern world unfortunately, people like to speculate and communicate and it doesn't worry me in the slightest."

When asked if Devlin, 26, had a release clause in his contract, Critchley responded: "I'm not going to discuss players' personal contracts, I won't discuss your contracts with other people and I'm certainly not going to get into whether Cammy's got a release clause.

"It's not right, it doesn't help in terms of signing players, 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.

"I've not spoken to Cammy because this is the first time I've heard about it since I came back in from training this afternoon. That's the first time I've heard anything about Cam during his window.

"Cammy's been fantastic, 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."

'Boyce negotiating with other club, Rowles still here'

Forward Boyce, 33, is "in negotiations with another club right now", according to Critchley, with Derry City interested in the Northern Ireland international.

"That's something that he wants to do for his family," the head coach explained.

"It's not actually done on the dotted line yet, but I would expect that to be done.

"It's good for his family, everything has to come to the end at some point and if it does happen, then of course he goes with everyone, myself, the staff, the supporters' best wishes I think."

And, on Devlin's international team-mate Rowles, 26, who has been linked with Major League Soccer side DC United, Critchley added: "He's our player.

"He's been a great servant for this football club and he's played nearly every minute of every game for me.

"So, we're not wanting him to go, but as I say, sometimes those things are taken out of your hands, but at this moment in time he's still here."