Irvine: We're building on something really positive

Taryn Heddo 1742259320,1742267490

Subway Socceroos star Jackson Irvine believes the team is heading in the right direction ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifiers against Indonesia and China PR.

The experienced midfielder said that while results in the previous window were not perfect, the team was building on a positive foundation with a large amount of competition for places and strength in depth across the board.

He spoke to media on Tuesday morning about the positive vibes in camp, adapting to change in the squad, mentoring the newest midfielders to join the team, and his thoughts on the new playing kits.

The vibes in camp

Of course, when there's a change, there's always going to be a different energy. Obviously, a lot of new players, new faces. But at the end of the day, the jobs remain the same. Everybody's here to perform at their best and be at their best and bring their own contribution to the team. So after a longer break since November, everyone's come back with a little bit more spring.

Everyone's pulled up really well. The preparation has started really well for the ones that were on the pitch yesterday, with myself and a couple of others just starting off easy - some of the other boys did a bit more. Today, everyone will be out there, getting as much preparation in as we can before a big night.

Depth in the squad

I'm in good contact with a lot of the guys, and spoke to a few of the ones that unfortunately aren't with us here for a variety of different reasons, but that's the nature of the game. At the same time, we know that we're capable of filling those spots with strength in depth that we've got within players playing at home and abroad. Of course, you want to have everybody here that you can, but the reality for most teams is that's never going to be the situation. It's just about adapting and dealing with it.

It's great to see that we've got a lot of Australian players at home and abroad who are performing at the top level and are in conversation to be a part of this group. The reality is only 23 or 26 will be selected. That's football. Patience has got to be a thing for a lot of people. You've just got to wait for those opportunities when they come. After my first call-up, it was about two-and-a-half years until I got my second - that's sometimes how football can be. The game owes you nothing. You've got to earn everything that comes.

Feeling confident and calm ahead of the upcoming games

We've definitely got a sense of calmness and confidence here in what we're trying to do, that we're building on something really positive. Of course, the results in the last camp weren't exactly what we wanted, but the performances in the main were very good, and it feels like we're definitely moving in the right direction. Of course, every game is important. Every game is massive, and it's brilliant to be a part of that for both club and country - high pressure, high stakes. That's what you want as a player.

I think that the style of play is definitely becoming more ingrained, especially in the boys that have been part of the two camps. This camp will take another step forward.

Mentoring debutants Nectar Triantis and Ryan Teague

They've both been exceptional this season. I've been really impressed with both. Watched a lot of them, both of them this year, and they've got an abundance of ability and confidence in the way that they take the ball in the middle of the park. It's great to see. For myself, I'll probably just bring that bit of experience and being able to understand aspects of the game that only come with time, because there's a lot of things that the guys are doing already that someone like me is not going to be able to teach them. It's more about understanding your role and game management, things like that. But I've been been really impressed with both, and looking forward to being on the park with them today.

Thoughts on the new kit

I absolutely love it. I think it's something completely different. It has such a great story behind it. It's got real substance to it. I think it's perfect for where we are as a team right now, and I'm really excited to wear it. I think it's got the makings of a modern-day classic.

MATCH DETAILS

Subway Socceroos v Indonesia
Thursday, 20 March 2025
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 8.00pm AEDT
Tickets: Available via Ticketek
Broadcast: 10, 10 Play and Paramount+

China PR v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday 25 March 2025
Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, Hangzhou
Kick-off: 7.00pm local / 10.00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Paramount+