Jackson Irvine says the Caltex Socceroos' attacking jigsaw is being pieced together impressively.
The Hull City midfielder arrived in Antalya a few days ago and is currently nursing a thigh injury that will limit his participation in Turkey.
But he’s certainly seen enough to suggest Graham Arnold could soon have Australia firing on all cylinders.
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“I’ve been watching very closely and trying to take in as much of the new tactics as I can to try and get a feel of what the new manager wants,” Irvine said.
“It’s exciting, it’s fast football, it’s very free flowing in the attacking third and I think we’re going to play some great stuff under him in the next few years.”
Irvine’s injury restrictions in Antalya come as a blow for both player and management given the 25-year-old’s great start to the EFL Championship season.
The Tigers midfielder has been one of Hull City’s outstanding performers so far this campaign despite returning to the fold late following the FIFA World Cup™.
Manager Nigel Adkins has deployed Irvine across the midfield in his three league matches so far, including a rare showing from the left flank in the team’s 3-2 win over Rotherham last month.
That match saw Irvine inspire the Tigers to their first win of the season with the Australian netting the maiden brace of his career.
“[I] should’ve had a hat-trick as well, I missed a chance right at the end of the game,” Irvine said.
“If I had scored a hat-trick I might’ve just retired there and then, I never thought I’d see the day!
“It was great to score a double. I was playing a little bit out of position on the left-hand side of midfield which was a little bit unusual for me.
“We’ve had a bit of a mixed bag start to the season. But I’m positive and hopeful about what we can achieve this year.”
