Socceroo repaying the faith

FOR two- and- a- half years he has bided his time, learning the ropes in the Socceroos environment.

But suddenly Jackson Irvine ( above) isn’t just a starter for his country but a goalscorer, heading home the first goal in Tuesday night’s 2- 0 win over the UAE that kept the Socceroos in contention for a place at the World Cup.

If the patchiness of the performance left a host of questions unanswered about Australia’s qualifying campaign, Irvine’s obvious comfort as an attacking midfielder was a significant positive for coach Ange Postecoglou in his second consecutive start.

Postecoglou had kept Irvine in reserve in a deliberate acclimatisation process, which in retrospect the 24- year- old said had given him the confidence to take into full games.

“The biggest thing about being around this group is how comfortable they make you feel,” he said.

“For my first year involved, coming off the bench was a good introduction to the way we like to play, the players and the staff. Now I’m starting, that could change next time with such a strong group.

“We’ve got such strength in depth in every position but especially attacking midfield.

“I thought Jimmy Troisi was absolutely brilliant after a little period away from the national team; he’s got such experience.’’