Aussie rising star on his new goal threat

Playing closer to goal has been a revelation for Caltex Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine, who looms as a potent attacking weapon on Thursday night when Australia face Saudi Arabia at Adelaide Oval.

Irvine, 24, player of the year at his Championship club Burton Albion, spoke to the media in Adelaide on Tuesday amid preparations for the crucial clash with the second placed Saudis in Group B of World Cup qualification.

Group B Standings

Japan – 16

Saudi Arabia – 16

Australia – 13

The Melbourne-born rising star of the national team revealed his “less glamorous” transfers have turned out to be masterstrokes after playing around 100 games in the last two seasons.

HIS FIRST SOCCEROOS GOAL IN MARCH

“I probably should have had another couple if I’d managed to find the corner with a couple more headers.

“But it’s absolutely – every time I get out there – that’s my main threat, to get in the box and try and score goals.

“But also get in those holes and play between the thirds and try and be a threat creatively as well.”

 

DOMESTIC BLISS AT BURTON

“My domestic season went about as well as it could have on a personal note.

“In terms of the club, we achieved what we set out to do, which was keep Burton in the Championship – very much against the odds.

“From a personal point of view, to finish as the club’s top scorer, you know, and play my part in that sense was something I probably wasn’t expecting – absolutely delighted to have played that role.”

GOAL THREAT

“They tweaked my position in that way to push me a little more advanced and I never really saw myself as much of a goal threat.

“I didn’t see that as being my main contribution to the team but it turned out that way.”

 

WINNING PLAYER OF THE YEAR AT ALBION

“That gives you all sorts of confidence and pride as well, and going into this camp it’s definitely given me that little extra edge to try and play my part.”

MOVING TO ALBION

“I think a lot of people saw it as a bit of a gamble, as much as my move to Ross County before that – people probably saw it in that way as well.

“Probably not the most glamorous moves and clubs that people haven’t heard a lot about but these clubs have done absolute wonders for me, and they’ve definitely pushed my career forward so much and playing regularly games.

“I think I’ve played 100 games in two seasons now – and that’s been so vital for my development.”

 

 

 

Source : Football Federation Australia