Latest news with #AndyIrving
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'Celtic to step up interest in Scotland's Irving'
Celtic are set to step up their efforts to sign Scotland midfielder Andy Irving, with West Ham United prepared to sell the 25-year-old. (Football Insider), externalRead Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'Celtic to step up interest in West Ham's Irving'
Celtic are set to step up their efforts to sign Scotland midfielder Andy Irving, with West Ham United prepared to sell the 25-year-old. (Football Insider), externalEvan Ferguson could be a realistic target for Celtic before the end of the summer window - but only if no other club take a gamble on a permanent transfer for the 20-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion striker. (Daily Record), externalCeltic winger Nicolas Kuhn has caught the eye of Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers with his impressive performances in the Champions League, according to SportsBoom. (SportsBoom via The Scotsman), externalRangers have approached Leicester City over a deal for Conor Coady, but there is interest in the 32-year-old centre-back from elsewhere, including his former club, Wolverhampton Wanderers. (Sky Sports), externalRangers head coach Russell Martin is keen to build his side around forward Hamza Igamane and midfielder Nicolas Raskin, who are both in demand from potential suitors. (Football Insider), externalHet Nieuwsblad reports that Aston Villa have started talks with Nicolas Raskin about a potential transfer out of Rangers for the 24-year-old Belgium midfielder. (Het Nieuwsblad via Daily Record), external Rangers are keen on a loan deal for right-back Max Aarons, but Bournemouth are believed to favour a permanent exit for the 25-year-old. (Sky Sports), externalDespite reports in Greece, no deal has been finalised with AEK Athens, who are keen on 30-year-old Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers. (Sky Sports), externalSt Mirren hope to sign 24-year-old Boreham Wood full-back Jayden Richardson, who spent the 2022-23 season with Aberdeen. (Daily Record), externalReports in the Netherlands claim Aberdeen are monitoring 22-year-old Maastricht winger Ilano Silva Timas closely, but Dutch top-flight club Excelsior are also keen on the Cape Verde international. (Press & Journal), externalDiscussions are ongoing between Heerenveen and Hibernian over Dylan Vente, with the Dutch club aiming to take the 26-year-old striker, who was on loan to Eredivisie rivals Zwolle last season, on a permanent deal. (Sky Sports), externalNew Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain says he left Celtic a year before the end of his contract because the 33-year-old wanted his fiance and son to see him play first-team football. (STV), external
BBC News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'A dream come true' - Irving makes Scotland debut with childhood pal Doig
Andy Irving says "you couldn't really write" his Scotland debut as he made it at the same time as his childhood friend, Josh pair came off the bench as second-half substitutes in Scotland's final game of the season in Ham's Irving and Sassuolo's Doig both attended Newcraighall Primary School and then Portobello High School in Edinburgh and were on the books of Hearts before Doig ended up as a city rival with Hibernian."I loved it. Just over the moon, to be honest, to make my Scotland debut and get my first cap," the midfielder said. £I'm just absolutely delighted."It's just amazing. It's something that you dream of as a kid, playing for your country."Having played throughout the youth groups, I know how proud that made me feel. To make it for the national team, I'm just delighted."Coming on with Doigy was perfect. Literally, mad, just mad. "Our dads are really good mates. They played at Edinburgh City together and stuff like that."I'm two years older but we used to play when we were kids at primary school and whatnot. Growing up, he was at Hearts training with us and whatnot. You couldn't really write it, to be honest."Irving spoke to Doig to mark the moment."'How is this happening? We're both coming on at the same time.' I'm sure for him it's a dream come true, just like mine," he added.
Scotsman
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
'Perfect' Scotland debut for primary school friends whose dads played for same team - 'you couldn't write it'
From Edinburgh playground to senior Scotland debut in Vaduz Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... West Ham midfielder Andy Irving reflected on a 'perfect' Scotland debut after coming on at the same time as primary school friend Josh Doig. The pair were handed their introduction to international football when coming off the bench just before the hour mark in Monday's 4-0 friendly win over Liechtenstein in Vaduz. Both attended Newcraighall Primary School and then Portobello High School in Edinburgh and were on the books of Hearts before Doig ended up as a city rival with Hibernian. Their careers have since taken them on divergent routes, with Doig making a name for himself in Italy while Irving is now at West Ham after stints in Germany and Austria. But their paths met up again in memorable fashion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad From left: Scotland's Josh Doig, Andy Irving and Kieron Bowie at Hampden. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group 'I loved it,' Irvine explained. 'Just over the moon, to be honest, to make my Scotland debut and get my first cap. I'm just absolutely delighted. It's just amazing. It's something that you dream of as a kid, playing for your country. Having played throughout the youth groups, I know how proud that made me feel. To make it for the national team, I'm just delighted. I'm just so happy. 'Me and Doigy coming on at the same time…Me and Doigy were at the same primary school, the same high school. Our dads are really good mates. They played at Edinburgh City together and stuff like that. 'Coming on with Doigy was perfect. Literally, mad, just mad. I'm two years older but we used to play when we were kids at primary school and whatnot. Growing up, he was at Hearts training with us and whatnot. You couldn't really write it, to be honest.' Irving spoke to Doig to mark the moment. ''How is this happening? We're both coming on at the same time.' I'm sure for him it's a dream come true, just like mine,' he added. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad West Ham's Andy Irving challanges Chelsea's Cole Palmer during a Premier League appearance in February. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Difficult times abroad Irving feels he is benefiting from the brave decision to move abroad at the age of 21. A transfer to Turkgucu Munchen turned sour when the club experienced serious financial difficulty and were declared insolvent in the middle of the season. He moved to Austria Klagenfurt and had two impressive seasons in the top flight while earning a move to West Ham. 'My career has maybe been a bit different to others and it's been hard at times, when I think back to my time in Germany,' he said. 'Realistically, it's only made me stronger and made me hungrier to succeed. 'I've worked very, very hard and put a lot into my football career. Going to Germany, going to Austria after Germany hadn't worked out, all that hard work, all those sacrifices have paid off. 'Those experiences were very difficult experiences, especially in Germany. It never went anywhere near how I planned or wanted it to go. It was a hard time. It made me really a lot more resilient, mentally stronger. I feel like those are the things that have pushed me on to this point now.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Irving made 11 appearances for West Ham last season and his Scotland debut will give him added motivation. 'I want to just keep playing football, first and foremost. I need to get back to doing that at a domestic point as well. Playing a lot more and playing more games,' he said. 'Obviously, the aim is to play for the Scottish national team as many times as I possibly can.
New York Times
12-02-2025
- Automotive
- New York Times
How Andy Irving rose from obscurity to gain cult status at West Ham
When Andy Irving arrives at West Ham United's training ground, it soon becomes apparent why the midfielder is not your quintessential Premier League footballer. Mercedes-G63 AMG, Bentley Bentayga, Range Rover Sport and Porsche 911 Gt3 RS are among the luxury vehicles in the first-team car park. Irving has the financial means to afford similar cars, but prefers to drive a modest white Nissan Juke. The 24-year-old does not yearn for expensive accessories. Irving is shrewd with his money and invests in real estate. He wants to live comfortably with his family long after his playing days are over. Advertisement His mindset has made him a popular figure within the squad. Irving has formed a close bond with captain Jarrod Bowen, Aaron Cresswell and Danny Ings. But, more importantly, his dedication has left a lasting impression on Graham Potter. The newly appointed head coach handed Irving his first Premier League start in the 2-1 loss at Chelsea. The midfielder impressed and was serenaded by those in the visiting enclosure. When Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer's strike from distance went over the bar, they chorused, 'You're just a s*** Andy Irving'. They also urged the midfielder to give them a wave, but Irving was more preoccupied with matters on the pitch. He provided a cross for Mohammed Kudus' header that struck the post. Irving later had a chance of his own, his efforts prompting applause from Potter. He showcased his technical ability and how he differs to the other midfield options at West Ham. His girlfriend, Zoe, was among those in the away end and has remained supportive during his unconventional journey to the London Stadium. There was no official announcement from West Ham when Irving joined from Austria Klagenfurt for £1.6million ($2.1m) in 2023. He had previously enjoyed spells in his native Scotland with Hearts, Berwick Rangers and Falkirk, and then in Germany at Turkgucu Munchen. Former technical director Tim Steidten considered Irving to be a risk-free move given the relatively small fee and obvious potential. After signing a three-year deal, Irving returned to Austria Klagenfurt on a season-long loan. He ended the campaign with 10 goals and five assists across 30 league appearances. The midfielder was due to return to London in June but was generating interest from elsewhere. Espanyol, Atalanta, Celtic, St. Pauli and Sturm Graz were among his suitors. But Zoe had already applied for, and successfully secured, a teaching job in east London. She had confidence Irving would be part of then-manager Julen Lopetegui's plans. After impressing in pre-season, Irving duly convinced the coaching staff that he warranted a place in the first-team squad. Advertisement 'At the end of May, there was a job available at a school in Tower Hamlets and my partner opted to go for the interview, which I was all for,' Irving told West Ham's website. 'She had massive belief that I would be staying for this season, but the pressure was on throughout pre-season. She's amazing. I'm super proud of her, the way she's taken to life in London and her job!' Irving was substituted in the latter stages against Chelsea last week. After applauding the away end, he headed down the tunnel with an ice pack around his right calf after sustaining a knock. Before that match, Irving had only played 88 minutes in the league in previous appearances against Chelsea, Brentford, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Fulham and Aston Villa. He has faced competition for a starting berth from Carlos Soler, Tomas Soucek, Edson Alvarez and Guido Rodriguez this season. Competition stepped up further after James Ward-Prowse's return from a loan spell at Nottingham Forest. But in the build-up to the fixture at Stamford Bridge, Irving's efforts to impress Potter did not go in vain. 'His spirit, application and training performances merited that start,' Potter told West Ham's website. 'We lost Alvarez quite late (to injury) so we had to adjust. I think the decision was clear for Andy because he's trained really well and I think it's important for the group to know that. I'm pleased with him.' Bowen concurred. 'Andy's worked incredibly hard and been incredibly patient,' he said. 'I get on really well with Andy. I've had a lot of chats with him and always told him that I know his time will come because I've seen it in training. He looked comfortable. He looked at home with it and I know there will be many more (appearances) for Andy.' The midfielder is often one of the last players to leave after training. Given his lack of minutes, he prioritised doing extra sessions with fitness coach Callum Foster to the extent that there are rarely autograph hunters still milling around outside Rush Green when Irving departs. He has also hired an athletic trainer to help him adapt to the intensity of the Premier League. The midfielder is aware he is a late developer and wants to make up for lost time. Advertisement In October, he received his first senior Scotland call-up for the Nations League games against Croatia and Portugal. Irving had amassed four caps for the junior teams from under-17 to under-21 level but ended up as an unused substitute in both senior games. He is hopeful of making his debut under manager Steve Clarke soon, potentially even against Greece in March. It was ex-Scotland manager Craig Levein who had urged Clarke to keep Irving on his radar. In the January transfer window, Irving had interest from an unnamed Serie A side, but neither he nor West Ham had any interest in entertaining any offers. His patience paid off with that breakthrough moment against Chelsea. There was initial surprise from supporters when he was named in the starting XI, but he justified that inclusion. Now he will seek to continue impressing Potter and his backroom staff over the second half of the season. Despite scoring in the pre-season friendly against Dagenham & Redbridge in July, few people asked for Irving's autograph. Seven months on, he has gone from obscurity to cult hero status. The next time autograph hunters patiently wait outside Rush Green for the first team players, many will be on the lookout for his white Nissan Juke.
