CIRCLE OF LIFE
Going back to Dingwall is so poignant for Irvine after Ross County kick-started his career
SEVEN years ago, Jackson Irvine embarked on a journey from the central belt to Dingwall in the simple hope that his fledgling football career would take flight.
As he prepares to retrace his steps with Hibs today, he finds it hard to overstate the importance of that decision.
Without agreeing to move from Celtic to Ross County initially on loan, he feels certain that he would have stagnated.
There would be no League Cup winner’s medal in his drawer from that 2016 victory over the Easter Road side. No move to Burton which subsequently attracted the interest of Hull.
And, in all likelihood, the Melbourne midfielder would have flown under the radar as far as international recognition with Australia was concerned.
Three appearances at the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia were the ultimate reward for a calculated gamble.
‘It was the thing that pushed me into the national team,’ said the 28-year-old. ‘I only got one call-up during my time at Ross County, I was still mainly playing with the Under-23s.
‘But then I got my move to Burton in the Championship that July. Since the end of that summer window in 2016 I have been very fortunate, I have been in every squad. So it was very much the thing that propelled me into having the career I’ve had and playing at the level I’ve had.’
Jackson looks upon that golden day at Hampden and those appearances against France, Denmark and Peru in Russia as cause and effect.
‘Domestically, yeah, that (League Cup) is probably the highlight of my career. Playing at the World Cup was the actual highlight. But, in terms of club achievements, winning a trophy and the manner in which we did it, from coming through a derby, then beating Celtic, and then scoring in the last minute of a final, you would do well to have a better moment than that.
‘Obviously, to be part of a club winning its first major trophy was very special and it’s a lifelong memory. Going there was the best thing I ever did.
‘I always tell people that the Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. I was very lucky to get a chance to live up there and experience it all.’
Despite the club’s idyllic locale, there’s never been any mistaking County’s hard-nosed approach to football.
Just 18 months after leading the club to its first major trophy, Jim McIntyre was sacked. Roy MacGregor, the club’s chairman, is not a man blessed with an overabundance of patience.
‘After the success of that season, finishing in the top six and winning a major trophy, it’s difficult to maintain that level of success,’ reflected Irvine.
‘The big catalyst was probably losing Liam Boyce (to Burton). His goals were invaluable. It would have been a tough blow for any club around that time.’
It says much about how quickly the wheels spin in Dingwall that Michael Gardyne is the only survivor from Irvine’s time there. Yet his affection for the town and its club is boundless.
‘The dressing room there is very close knit. A lot of guys, especially younger ones, will go up there without families but you stick very close together as a support network. That definitely helps you on the pitch as well.
‘Of course I would like them to stay up. But let them save their results for the split! We’ll take the win this time.’
After back-to-back defeats, Jack Ross’ side could do with one. While Aberdeen have moved only one point closer to them, Hibs need to reassert themselves quickly if third place is not to slip between their fingers.
Irvine added: ‘We must get back to focusing on what we were doing right while being aware of the threat they carry.’
Having only signed a deal until the end of the season, Irvine’s future is another issue his manager must deal with soon.
Irvine remains diplomatic on the subject but doesn’t dispute that European football would sweeten the pot.
‘It’s a conversation to have in a bit,’ he insisted. ‘Going into this international break, the fact I am not going away with Australia will give us a bit of time to talk.
‘Hibs were probably unsure of the player they were getting with me having been out for ten months. I think we can start to evaluate where the situation is at and we’ll see what happens.
‘Being part of a European campaign is something I’ve never had a chance to do, so of course it’s attractive.’