Once a Celt always a Celt is a phrase often heard. Although there are a few exceptions it holds true for 99% of players to have worn the hoops.
Jackson Irvine’s first team career lasted 45 minutes in a draw against Hibs a decade ago but despite more success at Ross County, Burton Albion, Hull City and Hibs there is one kit that is closer to his heart than any other.
Australia midfielder Jackson Irvine has arrived in Qatar wearing a retro Celtic jersey @CelticFC @Socceroos pic.twitter.com/dFFIGpTcvv
— Fitba Culture ??????? (@fitbaculture) November 14, 2022
As he clocked in to Australia’s World Cup HQ the St Pauli midfielder was wearing a shirt used by the first Australian to play for the hoops- Mark Viduka.
The striker had a very spectacular 18 month stint at Celtic, signed by Joe Venglos and sold by Martin O’Neill with plenty of stories in-between ranging from a rapid return to Australia after signing for Celtic to a heated half-time exchange with John Barnes and Eric Black during a Scottish Cup defeat that resulted in a huge overhaul at the club.
At Leeds, Middlesbrough and Newcastle Viduka was as good a striker as there was in the EPL, alongside Harry Kewell he led the way for Australians in European football.
Without hitting those same heights Irvine has carved out a great career for himself with Qatar his second World Cup Finals.
Overlooked as a kid in Melbourne he impressed at Celtic, captaining a side that contained Callum McGregor and Tony Watt as Stevie Frail’s side dominated under-age football.
Ange Postecoglou gave him his break into international football, an opportunity that he has maximised. Perhaps in the World Cup Finals he can match the impact that he made on Steven Gerrard at the 2013 Dublin Decider that Celtic won thanks to a goal from Amido Balde.