Irvine keen to take lessons from Asian Cup ahead of World Cup qualification showdown against Lebanon

Tim Gibson 1710825959,1710836794

Jackson Irvine says the team are focussing on the lessons learnt from their Asian Cup campaign as they look to cement World Cup qualification.

Get Tickets Banner

Irvine played every minute of the Subway Socceroos’ Asian Cup campaign in January, popping up with a couple of crucial goals to help the team through to the latter stages.

However, the experienced midfielder said the side’s extra-time defeat to South Korea was a tough pill to swallow.

“Heartbreaking is definitely the way you’d put it, but there are lessons learned. And we'll move forward from that,” Irvine said.

“Now we're focusing on qualifying for the next major tournament, another opportunity to go and achieve something special."

“We'll look at those lessons learned and try and go on to achieve something great again.”

Australia now turn their attention back to World Cup 2026 qualification, with two important games against Lebanon this window.

Irvine said he was pleased to be back with the Socceroos for the March matches and is expecting a stern test from Lebanon, reflecting the increasing standard across the confederation.

“These games just continually get harder as the competition in Asia gets more difficult,” he said.

“I think the standard is getting higher across the Confederation. All the way through, we've been tested more and more in these games as time has gone on."

Jackson Irvine of Australia celebrates after scoring (Image Credit: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“We'll be expecting another really big test on Thursday and Tuesday night."

“You have got to be aware that all these teams have got big things to fight for as well in terms of their own qualification too, so expecting a tough match.”

The 31-year-old said he has taken on a leadership role within the group as one of Australia’s more experienced heads currently in the squad.

Irvine also wears the armband for 2. Bundesliga promotion hopefuls St. Pauli where he plays with fellow Socceroos midfielder Connor Metcalfe.

Irvine said he has seen significant development from Metcalfe over the last 18 months in Germany.

“It's [leadership] part of my game,” he said. 

“I like to think of myself as a player who can try and help get the best out of my teammates, that's one of the qualities I think that coaches have identified in me."

“He’s [Metcalfe] a totally different player to the one that arrived in St Pauli a year and a half ago."

“Physically, mentally, tactically, everything; he's grown so much."

“We saw at the Asian Cup what a big part of this group he's become and how versatile he can be.”

The newest face in the Socceroos camp for this month is Central Coast Mariners star Joshua Nisbet who could get his first minutes for the team on Thursday night.

READ MORE: "Always dreamt of playing for the Socceroos" - Nisbet eager for minutes following late call-up

Irvine said he was looking forward to sharing the pitch with the 24-year-old with the potential for the pair to form part of Australia's midfield.

“He doesn't need much welcoming. He's a breath of fresh air,” Irvine said. 

“It's great to see young players who are so grateful to have this opportunity and be a part of it and he's brought already just in the first kind of couple of days that a bit of energy and a boost to the group.

“He's deserving of his place here. He's having a fantastic season and has done over the last couple of years.

“I'm excited to do a bit more work with him on the pitch.”

Australia have six strikers in their squad for the March window.

This includes Wehen Wiesbaden’s John Iredale who grabbed the equaliser against Irvine’s St Pauli earlier in the 2. Bundesliga season.

Irvine said it was great to see so many Australian forwards putting their case forward recently.

READ MORE: Returning Taggart enjoying his football ahead of striker spot shootout

“All the strikers that are here are in great form, he said."

“You look at Tags [Adam Taggart] and Bruno [Fornaroli] scoring goals in the A-League."

“Kusini [Yengi] is having a fantastic season at Portsmouth, and [Mitchell] Duke is playing in J1 League now; I think they’re top of the league as well."

“Six centre forwards in the squad is an exciting prospect for us, and it will be interesting to see how that unfolds over the next couple of games.”

Australia play their first match against Lebanon on Thursday night at CommBank Stadium with a chance to extend their perfect record in qualifying. 

MATCH DETAILS:

Subway Socceroos v Lebanon
Thursday, 21 March 2024
CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
Kick-off: 8.00pm AEDT
Tickets: Start from $20 Child, $25 Concession, $30 Adult, $80 Family via Ticketek
Broadcast: 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+

Lebanon v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday, 26 March 2024
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEDT
Tickets: Start from $15 Child, $20 Concession, $25 Adult, and $50 Family via Ticketek
Broadcast: 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+