New Hull City signing Lucas Herrington has revealed how he tapped up former Tigers star Jackson Irvine before agreeing to join the Premier League newboys.
Herrington’s move from MLS side Colorado Rapids was confirmed on Wednesday night and he’ll go straight into the squad for Saturday’s final pre-season friendly outing of the summer against French Ligue 1 side Nice.
The Australian international, who became the youngest Socceroos player ever to start a World Cup game when he played against Paraguay in San Francisco, keeping a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw, says Irvine spoke fondly of his former club and that helped convince him that moving to the MKM Stadium was the right thing to do.
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“I’m buzzing to be here. It’s a great project and a great club to be a part of. I’m so excited to be here,” the 18-year-old said after his move was confirmed.
“The opportunity to play in the Premier League, one of the best leagues in the world, is a dream come true. I’ve woken up at all hours in the morning in Australia to watch these games. To be a part of it is so special.
“To hear from the club and coaching staff has been so exciting for me. I can’t wait to meet all the boys and the fans. I’m here to work hard and hopefully get a lot of games in the Premier League.
“I spoke to ‘Jacko’ (Jackson Irvine), and he said very good things about the club and the area. He loved his time here. To hear that from him, after being with him at the World Cup, gave me a sense of calmness.
“It was a dream come true to represent my country at the World Cup – something I had always wanted to do. To achieve it at 18 was so special, and to have my family in the stands meant everything to me. I’m really looking forward to the first game against Manchester United. I can’t wait to get started.”
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