‘I can take that back to my club’: Irvine hoping to build on Socceroos form in Germany

Having started both matches in the Socceroos most recent qualification camp, FC St. Pauli midfielder Jackson Irvine is hoping to translate his national team form to club level. 

The Socceroos midfielder has had to be patient for his first taste of action since moving to Germany from Scotland in July.

Prior to the end of last month, Irvine had not played regular football since the Socceroos secured eight wins from eight as they concluded the second phase of qualifying in Kuwait.

But with two starts in the Socceroos' most recent camp and a half-hour against Hannover 96 on Saturday, Irvine is hoping he can continue his resurgence. 

“It's been an interesting time for me because I haven't played a lot of football since Kuwait,” explained Irvine. 

For Arnie to put his trust in me, to come back and start both games is massive for me.

“I just want to do my best for the boys every time I go out there. I can take that back to my club at St. Pauli and build on that over the next few weeks.”

The Socceroos will look to continue their record-breaking streak of 10-straight victories when Group B action resumes in early October.

While Irvine has been a standout performer in Australia’s midfield so far, the 28-year-old knows he has to be on top of his game to be a mainstay in the squad. 

“It’s an absolute dilemma for the manager because we have so much quality in the starting 11 and on the bench,” he said. 

“Unfortunately, there are also guys that aren't even here with us in this camp so you’re going to have to be on top form for your club to maintain your spot in the team.

“We are building a great bit of depth and a strong mentality across the group.”

Graham Arnold's side will take on Oman on Thursday, October 7 before travelling to Japan on the following Tuesday, October 12. 

The Socceroos will then reconvene in November before finishing the Road to Qatar in early 2022. 

Due to the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation, match locations and times will be finalised in the immediate lead-up to each window.