Big things to come from Socceroo Irvine

Mar 23, 2017 - 1:00 AM Mile Jedinak says midfielder Jackson Irvine has all the makings of a long-term Socceroo as the Burton Albion star pushes for his first start at international level.

One of the most in-form players in Australia's squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Iraq in Tehran and the UAE in Sydney, the pony-tailed 24-year-old has enjoyed a stunning debut season so far in the English Championship after leaving Scotland's Ross County last year.

The former Melbourne Victory youth player has scored nine goals in 34 appearances for the Brewers, who have quickly risen to England's second tier after only being promoted from non-league football for the first time in the club's history eight years ago.

"For such a relatively small club, it's been doing great things. He's been at the forefront of that," said Jedinak, who played against Irvine in December.

"Having had a few chats with him and even travelling with him over here (to Iran), he's always upbeat, always stays positive.

"Hearing it from a guy who's younger than me and experiencing life in football abroad away from home... you know he's going to be doing good things.

"On top of that, you can see he's got the confidence and his form is good. Even the last few camps, he's been fantastic for me."

Irvine has made seven appearances for the Socceroos and while all of them have come off the bench, he could well force his way into the starting side for Thursday night's (AEDT) clash with Iraq at the PAS Stadium.

Coach Ange Postecoglou will be forced to rejig his midfield in the absence of injured star Tom Rogic and Irvine offers not only versatility in being able to take on a number of different roles, but also a potent goalscoring threat from deep.

Postecoglou said the team would not change their attacking style despite three qualifying draws in a row, which has left them in third place in Group B and only ahead of the fourth-ranked UAE on goal difference.

"Two of those (draws) were away from home and we scored four goals in those games," he said.

"You won't see any difference in our approach.

"At the end of the day, nobody's managed to beat us yet. We'll keep doing what we're doing."

Source: AAP