Ross County’s Australian midfielder Jackson Irvine is prepared to be patient as he chases a first start for his country.
The midfielder is in the Socceroos squad to face Greece in a friendly in Melbourne today after an impressive campaign in Scotland and believes he is finally adapting to the challenge of travelling to the other side of the world to represent his national side.
He said: “I’ve yet to start a game for my country but I’m always hoping to play a part. I’m hoping to get an extended run on the pitch against Greece but I don’t come here with the expectation of starting.
“The first couple of times in this environment were quite intimidating and you can find yourself being nervous. But I’ve outgrown that now. I want to embrace the experience as much as I can. The more time I spend here the more comfortable I get.
“The travelling is still a bit of a challenge but there are so many staff to look after us and make sure everyone is prepared. We got into Sydney on the Sunday before the first Greece game so we had five days to prepare.
“Normally when you’re playing in qualifying games you only get one or two days to adapt to the time differences, so this is a bit easier. Playing within 48 hours of arriving is hard.”
Irvine insists he has already learned much from international football as a substitute after playing alongside former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill and against England.
He said: “Tim is a massive part of this team and has been for more than 10 years. He’s our recognisable player and has played at the highest level.
“He’s so helpful to the young players, on and off the pitch, and lets them know what it’s like to be a Socceroo. We’ve got quite a young squad here that’s still finding its feet. Tim and Mile Jedinak have played at the highest level and it’s very helpful.”
While Irvine is full of respect for his experienced international team-mates, he knows Cahill and Jedinak are the two players he must try to dislodge if he is to make the starting 11 for the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins in September.
He said: “I want to be more of a regular and it’s unfortunate our two most experienced players play in my position. I’ve got to be patient and play my part when I get a chance. There are so many massive games coming up in the qualification campaign.
“But I’ve played against Inter Milan and Liverpool with Celtic and, as soon as you get on the park, it’s 11 against 11. That’s the idea that the manager (Ange Postecoglou) is trying to put into us.”
