JACKSON Irvine was a late substitute for Australia against Thailand, while Tom Flanagan did not feature in either of Northern Ireland’s games over the international break.
Irvine, the Brewers’ top scorer in the Championship with five goals, played the final 11 minutes as Australia drew 2-2 with Thailand in their Asian World Cup Group B qualifier.Aston Villa’s Mile Jedinak scored twice in the draw, the experienced midfielder dispatched penalties either side of half time, but it wasn’t enough as Thailand’s Teerasil Dangda also scored twice to ensure that the points were shared.
Burton’s club-record signing was booked in the 90th minute. His brief cameo in the game means that 23-year-old Irvine now has seven international caps.
The Socceroos are now third in Group B on nine points, a point behind the top two of Saudi Arabia and Japan, however Australia are the only unbeaten side in the group. The point was Thailand’s first of the campaign, having lost their opening four games.
Tom Flanagan was also on international duty, although he did not feature in either of Northern Ireland’s games. The 24-year-old is yet to make his international debut for Michael O’Neil’s side, however he has been on the bench for each of their last three European World Cup qualifiers, including Friday’s 4-0 win over Azerbaijan.
Flanagan was also on the bench for Tuesday night’s friendly against Croatia. The Northern Irish team were soundly beaten 3-0 thanks to goals from Mario Mandzukic, Duje Cop and former Leicester City striker Andrej Kramaric.