Jackson Irvine isn’t content with being a bit part internationalist.
The former Celtic midfielder picked up his 12th cap last week with a five minute substitute appearance in Australia’s 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia.
Irvine joined Ross County on a permanent deal last summer and has quickly developed into a fully fledged internationalist under Ange Postecoglou.
The 23-year-old has adapted quickly to life in the Championship with Burton Albion and is now looking to force his way into Postecoglou’s World Cup plans.
“To try and cement down a position in this team is hard enough for them guys competing amongst each other,” Irvine told AAP as he looked at the current five man midfield of Mile Jedinak, Mark Milligan Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic and Massimo Luongo.
“It’s just so great to be a part of it, but I want to push. Scoring goals and stuff is not always enough, you need to keep going and keep pushing and you hope that will eventually lead to a chance.
“I just want to play a part in that squad, whatever that may be, whether it’s from a start, the bench or just being one of the players that contributes at training.”
Looking at his club form he added: “Playing against some pretty experienced and high-class opposition, everything’s been going really well for me.
“I’ve been playing a different role which allows me to get forward a bit more and thankfully that’s led to me contributing with some goals.
“No matter what the fee was, however small, to be first player a club’s really spent a fair bit of money on comes with its pressure but also a confidence it brings you.”
Burton Albion paid a fee believed to be around the £500,000 mark to sign Irvine.
Before joining Celtic in 2010 Irvine hadn’t been involved in international football at any level.
In 2011 he did play three matches for the Scotland u-19 side, his dad is from Aberdeen, but he made it clear at the time that his international ambitions lay with Australia.
On Tuesday the Socceroos take on Japan in Melbourne, Irvine’s home city.
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