I can fill in for Mooy, says Irvine

Jackson Irvine has put his hand up to replace Aaron Mooy in the Socceroos’ midfield in the Asian Cup.

Jackson Irvine (L) and Aaron Mooy Source: Getty Images

Mooy will miss the tournament in the United Arab Emirates next month after suffering a knee injury.

With Australia likely to play two holding midfielders at the Asian Cup, with Massimo Luongo tipped to take one of those spots, Irvine is confident he can fill one of the starting midfield positions alongside the QPR star.

The Hull City man has been in top form in the Championship, bagging a brace on Boxing Day against Preston North End.

Irvine’s versatility has been a huge asset for the Tigers this season as he has scored three goals in 20 appearances, featuring everywhere from left midfield, as a number 10 and also in a central role.

“I’m ready to step up if called upon and hopefully given the opportunity,” Irvine told The World Game.

“All 23 boys are going to want to play their part, everyone wants to contribute and the manager will pick the players for any given game that he sees to be the ones who will get the job done.

“I imagine that most players over the course of the tournament will be needed at some point, so everyone’s going to have to be prepared and ready to play their part.

“I’m really excited about the Asian Cup. The opportunity to represent your country at a major tournament is always an exciting prospect.

“The fact that we’re going to be defending the trophy makes it even more important. I’m really looking forward to it.”

The Socceroos made history four years ago when they defeated Korea Republic 2-1 in the final in Sydney to win the Asian Cup.

Irvine missed out on that tournament squad, but believes if Australia can retain the title next month in the UAE than it would eclipse the 2015 achievement.

“It’s an extremely difficult thing to go back-to-back with any competition but we think we’ve got the players and the ability and the staff, all-together we think we’ve got a group that’s capable of doing it,” the 25-year-old said.

“We’ve got good depth and we’re going to have to show that of recent times with injuries as well. Everyone’s going to have to play a part.

“Winning it on home soil was an unbelievable achievement and I think winning it away from home would be an even bigger achievement, so we’ve got the opportunity to make history.”

Hull City have moved from second bottom in the Championship up to 15th after securing only one defeat in their past league 10 fixtures.

The Tigers are unbeaten in their last six games, a start contrast to the start of the season where they lost nine of their first 14 matches.

Irvine’s displays in different positions have been vital in the east Yorkshire club turning their fortunes around.

“We’ve moved ourselves clear of that relegation zone, we’re kind of sitting between the relegation zone and the playoff spots, which is a good position for us to be in considering our slow start,” he said.

“It’s taking shape. We’re one loss in our last 10 now, which is tremendous form in this league. It’s difficult to put those runs together.

“We just want to keep looking up now. We’ve been looking over our shoulder for a while so we’re now looking at the teams above us.

“I’ve played a variety of roles this season with different formations. I’ve played out on the left outside, a few games in deeper positions and of late up close to the striker, so versatility has always been a strength of mine and I’m doing my part for the team and thankfully it’s led to a few good results.”

Hull City are now just nine points off a playoff place and Irvine believes if they can keep their run going then breaking into the top six is a genuine possibility.

“We just need to keep looking at consistency – that’s the most important thing,” the former Burton Albion midfielder said.

“Consistency can take you a long way, it’s dragged us from second bottom to comfortably clear in 10 games. If we can keep that kind of form going and those kinds of performances going, anything’s possible.

“If we can have another six weeks like we’ve just had than we’ve got every chance of pulling up towards that top six.”