Andy Irving can stake West Ham United first-team claim after international update
West Ham midfielder Andy Irving needs to capitalise on his maiden call-up to the senior Scotland team over the international break.
The midfielder may have only made three substitute appearances for the Hammers since his move, but Irving is now poised to make his international debut against Croatia or Portugal during the break.
Irving, 24, was loaned back to former club Austria Klagenfurt upon signing for the Irons in 2023, and will now be looking to establish a starting place for both club and country this season.
In an interview posted on X by the Scotland National Team (8 October), Irving said: "Starting to get a bit of game-time at West Ham has been great, and that new challenge is something I'm really excited for."
Andy Irving could be missing midfield link for Julen Lopetegui
The Irons' sluggish start to the new season has come from the very front to the very back of Lopetegui's new-look team, but things did seem to click into place during a 4-1 win over Ipswich Town last time out.
Newfound depth in midfield has, however, restricted Irving to just two cameos so far this season against Chelsea and Brentford, with the Scot not even included in the matchday squad to face Ipswich.
If Irving wants to make a concrete claim to a starting berth at the London Stadium, he'll have to take every possible opportunity that comes his way with both hands – including those with Scotland.
An international debut and strong performances against sides of Croatia and Portugal's calibre will do those aspirations no harm, but a path into the Hammers' midfield will still be difficult for Irving.
With Carlos Soler, Guido Rodriguez, Tomas Soucek and the exit-linked Edson Alvarez ahead of him, the onus is on Irving to show Lopetegui just how good he can be on the international stage.
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