Socceroo Jackson Irvine in demand in English Championship

SOCCEROO Jackson Irvine will have the eyes of the English soccer world on him when he turns out for Burton Albion against Birmingham City on Saturday.

Jackson Irvine in action for Burton Albion.

ENGLISH Championship star Jackson Irvine returns for Burton Albion’s decisive home clash with Birmingham City on Saturday morning, a game that could decide his immediate future.

The Melburnian’s stunning start to the season was tempered last week by an exuberant referee, who unfairly sent him off in the 4-1 loss at Hull City just five minutes after his curling strike from outside the box levelled scores.

The Socceroo returns from suspension for the clash with Harry Redknapp’s Birmingham City, one of the clubs linked with the all-action midfielder.

The game, which kicks off Friday night UK time will be televised live on Sky Sports UK with the handful of other clubs, including Derby County, watching on intently.

Burton then has two more games before Irvine departs for international duty, when the English transfer window closes (September 1).

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Irvine, who won Burton’s player of the season in a 10-goal debut season after crossing from Scottish club Ross County, said he was not desperate for a move nor had speculation distracted him.

“The last few seasons have gone about as well as they could have, personally and for my clubs. Anyone with individual ambition wants to reach the highest possible level,’’ Irvine said.

“But I’m a firm believer in that it’s about building that path for yourself. There’s no one clear way to get to that level, you need to make the best decisions for your own circumstances.

“I’ll wait for the opportunity that is going to be the one I feel will propel me forward. The move to Burton last season was a step in the right direction.

Jackson Irvine in action for Burton Albion.

“As it stands I’ll be playing my football at Burton this season. So long as the window’s open, no-one’s future is certain, especially the way the markets move nowadays.

“If something of real substance comes along, when the final decisions are made, I’ll get involved. Until that happens, I’m a Burton player and I’m focusing on the start of our season.

“Burton fans are great, the first home game I got a warm reception and I’m glad. Most of the conversations have been encouraging me to stay, they’ve read and seen links with other clubs, but while I’m still here they’re very supportive.’’

Burton’s crazy week included another red card midweek amid chairman Ben Robinson’s revelation that retired sprinting legend Usain Bolt could come on trial, which manager Nigel Clough didn’t find amusing after a 2-0 loss at Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

It’s a high stakes game for Burton, who are bottom and pointless after three games.

Irvine, whose brought his Confederations Cup confidence into the new season, was keen to atone for his red card.

“After having such a prolific season, you don’t want to be chasing that first goal for a number of weeks, so to score in the second game, I was delighted,’’ he said.

“We were playing well, but that (red card) is football sometimes. I’m a physical player, I like to tackle and be involved in the play.

“It was a bit of carnage. I felt a bit unfortunate, I couldn’t argue with the first yellow, but when it came to the second I was quite disappointed and thought it was harsh.

“There was no malice in the challenge and it was only my second foul and on the edge of our attacking box.

“I’ll be ready to go, it’ll be good to be back. It was a great fixture for us last season and hopefully we can kick off the points tally.’’

Originally published as Socceroo Jackson Irvine in demand in English Championship