Irvine happy to be back in action after long break
FORMER Burton Albion star Jackson Irvine has described his nine months out of action as “one of the most challenging periods” of his career.
Irvine returned to action in the colours of Scottish Premiership club Hibernian last week.
The Australian midfielder had been without a club since turning down Hull City’s offer of a shortterm contract to complete the Championship season in 2019-20 after an enforced break due to Covid-19.
His three years with the Tigers therefore ended in March last year but Irvine was not able to find a new club during the summer.
Former Australian international Harry Kewell, now manager at Oldham Athletic, helped Irvine out by inviting him to train with the club for a few weeks recently but he was never likely to sign for them.
Nor were the hopes of some Burton supporters that he might return to the Pirelli Stadium ever likely to be realised.
Irvine needs to play at a high level to stay involved with the Australian squad – many observers Down Under see him as a future captain of the national team, as long as he is playing regularly and in form.
After signing for Hibernian, managed by former Sunderland boss Jack Ross, Irvine said: “It’s not been easy. I’ve had to be patient and it’s been one of the most challenging periods in my career.
“I think it’s important to have a sense of perspective and I realise that there are a lot of people in the world who have suffered much greater hardships in the last few months.
“It’s just the longest I’ve gone without playing and I’m keen to make up for lost time and get back to doing what I love. That means being part of a successful team and enjoying my football again.
“I owe a massive thank you to Harry Kewell, the staff and players at Oldham who let me train to top up my fitness levels. You can only do so much on your own and nothing compares to being in with the group.”
His time in Scotland with Celtic and Ross County before his move south to play for Burton in 2016-17 mean that he was fully aware of what he was getting into with Hibernian.
“I didn’t really need to be sold at all on Hibs as a club,” he said.
“I spent so long in Scotland with Celtic and Ross County that I know what I’m walking into – a big club that’s fortunate to have great facilities.
“The boys want to achieve something special and we’re still in two cup competitions, plus the hunt for a European place.”
That interview dated on Saturday, as Hibs were knocked out in the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup, beaten 3-0 by St Johnstone in Irvine’s second appearance but they sit fourth in the Premiership after breaking a four-game run without a win in Irvine’s debut, a 2-0 win over Kilmarnock.
Irvine thinks his time in England has improved his game – and not just with the ball at his feet.
“I think I’ve added experience and leadership qualities since I’ve been down in England, so I want to bring that character to the group here,” he said.
“Basically, I’m a player who likes to help bring the best out of my team-mates, whether it’s in games or training.”