Jackson Irvine happy to stay with Staggies
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IN-DEMAND Ross County mainstay Jackson Irvine is focused solely on playing for the club amid interest from England in signing him.
County rejected a bid from newly-promoted Burton Albion a fortnight ago and Irvine – who has had an extended summer break in Australia – insists there is no discussion to be had about him leaving.
Along with The Brewers’ reported six-figure offer, which was dismissed out of sight by County, there could also be interest from Sheffield United.
Manager Jim McIntyre stated publicly there was no need to sell the popular midfielder, who was a virtual ever-present last season as County won the League Cup.
A man-of-the-match performance against Hibs at Hampden and further international recognition from Australia have seen Irvine’s value sky-rocket this year.
But, until there is an offer accepted, Irvine maintains his attention will be on the Staggies.
He told the NS: “There’s been no communication about Burton Albion - it’s between the two clubs. I was made aware of the bid being rejected and if the time comes when a bid is accepted, then we’ll deal with it then. Until anything like that arises, my focus is getting back out and playing.
“It’s a matter of preparing for the reality, which is that I’m a Ross County player for the meanwhile. I’ve got another year on my contract and I’m happy to see it out.
It’s a compliment to attract interest from that sort of level. Burton have been successful over the last couple of years, similar to Ross County in some ways in the way they’ve made it up through the leagues.
“It’s very flattering and should be a compliment to every player because of the way we played last season.”
The bid came while Irvine was at home in Melbourne, after being given a longer break by McIntyre following his part in Australia’s friendlies with England and Greece.
The former Celtic youngster returned to training yesterday and admitted he was excited to see the new additions to the County squad. Ex-Blackburn Rovers defender Jay McEveley is the latest name to join, following in the footsteps of Christopher Routis, Kenny van der Weg, Aaron McCarey and Erik Cikos.
A break was much-needed for Irvine, who has played in excess of 50 matches over the last year for club and country.
He said: “It’s been pretty crazy. Places I’ve played in the last 12 months include Taiwan, South Korea, Tajikistan and Australia, as well as all the back and forth. I racked up so many air miles! But I wouldn’t swap it.
“Every time you get called up you have to take full advantage of it because you don’t know how many opportunities you’re going to get. It’s not ideal for your club situation but it’s a reward.”
The Dingwall club fly out to Hungary for pre-season, with games against local sides Paksi and Soroksar on July 5 and 8. They start their League Cup defence against Montrose on July 16 and their Premiership campaign at home to Dundee on August 6.
On the start of the new season, Irvine added: “A derby game second up is definitely one to look forward to. I’ve had a look at a few key times over the season - Christmas is always an important time and we’ve got Celtic just after Christmas, which is an exciting one. There’s some big fixtures to look forward to and starting off at home is always good.”
