Jackson Irvine walked off with the man-of-the-match award in Ross County’s League Cup triumph over Hibernian and to this day, it remains one of his proudest achievements.
Known for his all-action displays at the heart of the County midfield, Irvine set up Michael Gardyne’s opener and was first on the scene to mob Alex Schalk after he buried the Staggies’ late winner.
He ranks that achievement above anything he has achieved at domestic level. His performances in dark blue earned him a move to Burton Albion two years ago and his 10 goals helped keep them in the Championship. Hull City came calling and after a difficult season at the KCOM, they finished 18th this month. Pushing back towards the play-offs and a tilt at the Premier League is on the agenda.
The small matter of a World Cup in Russia is also on the horizon for the Australian, after he was named in Bert van Marwijk’s preliminary squad. Going up against Paul Pogba, Antoine Greizmann and Christian Eriksen would be another fantastic challenge for the 25-year-old.
But that Hampden day out two years ago stands alone as a day filled with great memories.
Irvine said: “The club gave me an opportunity in a crisis period when there was no manager. I found my feet under Jim McIntyre, even moreso in the second season after my options were limited at Celtic. It pushed my career in a positive direction.
“People underestimate what it means to win a trophy as most aren’t lucky enough. It’s probably still my proudest achievement at domestic level and I still remember it very fondly. Hopefully the club can get back to those days.
“I still speak to Marcus pretty regularly – I’ve known him for eight or nine years. This season hasn’t panned out the way they would have hoped and I hoped they do enough to avoid relegation. I’m surprised by where they are but sometimes you don’t have any momentum. You can’t find a win, week after week, until you run out of games.”
Alongside him in the Socceroos squad are two of their most familiar names. Tom Rogic joined Irvine at Celtic in January 2013 and over the last three seasons has emerged as valuable contributor for the league champions.
Then there is Tim Cahill. A man who has almost become the physical embodiment of Australian football, Cahill is in line for his fourth consecutive World Cup. At 38, he is no longer the driving-force midfielder that underpinned David Moyes’ Everton side of the mid-noughties; he has become the super-sub, the golden saviour for a nation who is revered above all other public figures Down Under.
Irvine said: “Tim is still one of those players you turn to when you need a big moment. It’s not coincidence he’s still producing; he has amazing self-belief and I would be surprised if he doesn’t get selected. For most of us growing up he was our icon.
“That period 10 years ago, when we first established ourselves at international level, there was him, Mark Schwarzer, Mark Viduka, and Harry Kewell in the team. Even then, they still turned to Tim and the fact he’s still involved shows what a model professional he is. He’s kept himself in great condition. He’s great to have around the dressing room and is still the one the fans call for.
“I’ve played with Tom and I still go watch Celtic every so often. He’s such a key player for us. He’s an incredibly gifted, technical player and you’ll see the best of him once he gets a run of games. He’s a big-game player and produces in derbies, semi-finals and finals.
“It would be the pinnacle of my career to be selected. It would prove the hard work, dedication and moves you make to have a chance to play at that level have paid off. It would be incredible. But I’m sure there’s still some selection dramas to be had.
“It’s extremely difficult at international level – the standard is so high. France are regarded as one of the top sides in the world and there are no bad sides out there. We’ve got to prepare as best we can and do enough to get ourselves out of the group.”