On this day: Irvine heads in first Socceroos goal as Amini makes debut

Three years ago today, Jackson Irvine scored his first ever goal for the Socceroos.

Irvine, who was at the time starring in the Championship for Burton Albion, rose highest to nod in James Troisi's cross to give Australia an early lead against the United Arab Emirates in Sydney.

The midfielder admitted to FFA TV that he was 'lost for words' and 'could not be more pleased' at notching his maiden effort for the Green and Gold.

“Absolutely delighted. Such a proud moment, especially to do it on home soil in front of my family. An incredibly special moment," he said.

Australia, coached by Ange Postecoglou, would beat the UAE 2-0 in front of a 28,000-strong crowd at Allianz Stadium.

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The Melbourne-born midfielder, now with Hull City, has four other strikes to his name for the national team.

On 23 March 2018, he scored in a 4-1 friendly defeat to Norway, and would net in a 5-0 victory against Oman on December 2018.

More recently, he scored a double in Australia's 7-1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying win over Chinese Taipei. 

It was not the only milestone moment to occur on that night against UAE.

28 March 2017 was also the Socceroos debut of Mustafa Amini, who was substituted in the 87th minute.