Andy Irving says he has had a ‘mad kind of journey’ to Scotland squad

West Ham midfielder Andy Irving admitted he has taken “a mad kind of journey” to get into the full Scotland squad.

The 24-year-old chose to leave Hearts in 2021 to join German third division side Turkgucu Munchen but after they became embroiled in financial difficulties, he earned himself a move to Klagenfurt in 2022 following a successful stint on trial.

Irving’s form in the Austrian top flight helped him catch the eye of the Hammers and, after making three substitute appearances for Julen Lopetegui’s side in the Premier League this term, Steve Clarke decided to give him his first call-up for this month’s Nations League double-header against Croatia and Portugal.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here and ready to take in the experience of being part of the national team,” he told Scotland’s social media channels. “It’s been a mad kind of journey, to be honest.

“I’ve had lots of amazing experiences paired with some bad throughout my time in Germany, especially.”

Irving believes he has grown on and off the pitch since leaving his boyhood club more than three years ago.

“I think as a player on the pitch my game has really developed,” he said. “I’ve added different parts to my game and throughout my time in Austria I played sometimes a bit more as an attacking midfielder and as a number 10, whereas in Scotland I mostly played a bit more defensive.

“So I think I’ve added different things to my game and off the pitch, I think my experiences living abroad and learning a different language, different culture has really helped me grow as a person and toughened me up a bit.”

Irving has made a positive impression on Hammers boss Lopetegui, who said at the weekend: “Technically, he is a very good player. I think that, when he is able to adapt his physical rhythm in the Premier League, he is going to become a very interesting player.”

The midfielder is loving life in East London.

“Throughout my time so far at West Ham, it’s been great,” he said. “I’m really, really enjoying it.

“The last few weeks especially, starting to get a bit of game time at West Ham has been great and that new challenge is something that I’m really excited for.

“Since I’ve been there with the manager, players and all the staff it’s been really good. To be part of a club that size, playing with the players that I’m playing with every day has been great. It’s been great, I’m loving it, embracing it all.”