Burton Albion midfielder Jackson Irvine is reportedly on Derby County’s radar – but Aston Villa shouldn’t let an opportunity pass them by.
Jackson Irvine may not have enjoyed his most influential display as Burton Albion edged themselves a point closer to safety with a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Yet, Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce could only dream of possessing a midfielder with the Australian’s eye for goal. Therefore, with a whole host of clubs from the top two tiers expressing their interest, perhaps The Midlands giants should throw their hat into the ring.
According to the Burton Mail, Irvine’s ten Championship goals, more than any player in Aston Villa’s squad bar Jonathan Kodjia, have earned The Brewers 12 points this season. As epitomised by last week’s 96th minute winner against Huddersfield Town, Irvine makes his goals count.
In fact, Nigel Clough’s side have not lost a game in which Irvine has scored since he became their club record signing from Ross County in the summer. And despite failing to register a goal or even a shot against Aston Villa on Saturday, the Australian international was still arguably his side’s most influential attacking player.
Bruce, meanwhile, may wish his midfielder’s shared the same impact in the final third. Since arriving from Barnsley and Nottingham Forest in January, Conor Hourihane and Henri Lansbury have netted just once between them. In fact, beyond Kodjia with 19, no Aston Villa player has scored more than three this season.
Irvine’s ability to drive forwards from deep and make those perfectly timed, late runs into the box to connect with crosses could help Aston Villa make the most of the creative talents at their disposal.
The World Game claims that the likes of Derby County, Swansea City, Norwich and Wolves are all interested in the former Celtic youngster and, among the quartet, The Rams appear to need Irvine the most.
Like Aston Villa, Derby’s supposed attacking midfielders have struggled badly in front of goal this season with Bradley Johnson and Craig Bryson losing their scoring touch.
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