Ross open to Irvine contract extension
JACK ROSS insists Hibernian new-boy Jackson Irvine could stay at Easter Road beyond his short-term contract.
The Easter Road manager has described the capture of Irvine as a “coup”, which was underlined when he pitched the Australia internationalist straight into his starting line-up to face Kilmarnock on Saturday.
The 27-year-old belied a hiatus of more than 10 months since his last competitive outing for Hull City by turning in an all-action, 73-minute showing, helping the capital club secure a pivotal 2-0 triumph.
However, for all Ross’ excitement about the deal, Irvine has only signed up until the end of the season and will consider his options again in June.
Ross said: “Jackson [Irvine] was being careful about where he would go for the next stage of his career.
“We had to put forward our case for this to be the right place for him in the short term – and hopefully longer than that.
“He has fitted in very well; he is chatty and will put himself among people.
“I spoke to him on the phone and enjoyed the conversations we had so I’m excited about working with him.
“His pedigree is very good, his recent career is very good. He really kicked on again when he moved to England and international record in a good Australia squad is very good as well.
“He is a real coup for us in that respect.”
Irvine’s solid debut has put him firmly in contention to start in Saturday’s Betfred Cup semi-final against St Johnstone, a competition he won with Ross County in 2016 - defeating Hibs in the final.
Ross added: “I was surprised he lasted as well as he did [against Killie] because only trained a couple of days with us.
“But we had a good chat and he felt ready.
“He will get better but, equally, I thought his contribution was excellent for someone who hasn’t played since March.”
The arrival of Irvine, Chris Cadden and towering goalkeeper Matt Macey has considerably boosted Hibs’ options ahead of a potentially season-defining period.
Ofir Marciano, Kyle Magennis and Joe Newell are also set to return to full fitness imminently, giving Ross a welcome selection headache and ferocious competition for places ahead of Hibs’ trip to Hampden.
He continued: “I’ve been delighted with our signing. Matt [Macey] was an essential at the time, because of where we were goalkeeping-wise, and his performances have been excellent.
“Although it was late when we brought in Jackson [Irvine] and Chris [Cadden] this week, it was good that we were able to get them game-time at the weekend.”
Looking ahead to the showdown with the Saints, Ross reflected on his side’s defeat to Hearts in the Scottish Cup at the same stage earlier this season.
“We’ve had a taste of a semifinal this year. And it was a bitter taste of not winning it,” he admitted.
“The focus on winning silverware has been there since pre-season and there’s a real determination among the players to take that next step.”