Irvine returns to hold Bailey Wright’s Bristol

Jackson Irvine has come away the happier of the Caltex Socceroos following an all-Australian battle with Bailey Wright in England’s Championship overnight.

The 23-year-old returned from a groin injury to help Burton Albion hold relegation-threatened Bristol City to a 0-0 draw at Ashton Gate.

With the pair likely to be included in Ange Postecoglou’s squad for this month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Irvine will have more reason to be chirpy as the Brewers maintained their three-point gap on the drop zone.

The home side missed a chance to bank a vital three points when Lee Tomlin blazed his 67th minute penalty over the crossbar.

Wright, who started as part of a back three, also spurned an opportunity late on when he sliced a knock-down over the crossbar.