The Burton Albion midfielder has impressed this season. Should Derby County and Nottingham Forest consider bids?
Burton Albion’s Jackson Irvine
Amongst the big surprise packages of this Championship season, such as Huddersfield Town and Reading’s bids for promotion, Burton Albion’s incredible campaign cannot be ignored. With the smallest budget in the Championship, Nigel Clough has done an incredible job to keep the club up this season.
And much of that success has come from Clough’s excellent eye for a player; specifically Australian midfielder, Jackson Irvine. Bought in the summer from Scottish side Ross County, Irvine has been a revelation for the Brewers, scoring 10 league goals this season.
But will they be able to keep the Australian for next season? The midfielders goals, as well as his ability to fulfil a number of roles offensively and defensively for the Brewers, makes him a very attractive prospect for larger Championship clubs looking at a promotion push. So who might be interested in Irvine?
One side who could use a midfielder of Irvine’s quality is local rivals, Derby County. The Rams have had a disappointing season yet again, and are now looking for a rebuild under new boss, Gary Rowett. Knowing his side have lacked both a physicality and goals from midfield in their side this season, a move for Jackson Irvine would make perfect sense.
Derby County manager Gary Rowett
Another side who could really benefit from signing a player like Jackson Irvine are the Rams’ fierce rivals, Nottingham Forest. The Reds escaped relegation to League One on the final day of the season, and will undoubtedly need to add quality to their side this summer, to start making their way back up the Championship table.
With Mark Warburton expecting funds from a change in ownership at the City Ground, a move for Jackson Irvine could well be on the cards, and could go a long way to filling the hole left by Henri Lansbury’s departure in January.
After such an excellent first season in the Championship, Jackson Irvine’s progression next season will certainly be one to look out for, as interest in him inevitably begins to rise. Can the Brewers pull off yet another miracle, and keep hold of him?!
Jackson Irvine celebrates
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