Andy Irving speaks about his Hearts future with contract talks due to start

Andy Irving is ready to talk about a new Hearts contract.

The midfielder is “100 per cent open to talks” about a new deal. He can’t escape the subject at the moment and has closed social media accounts in order to remain focused. Provided he is playing regularly, chances of him staying beyond the end of the season are decent.

It makes complete sense from Hearts’ perspective. Irving is the best passer of a ball at Riccarton, a childhood supporter of the club, a graduate of their youth academy, a local lad and, at 20, is improving with every game.

Quite simply, Hearts play better with him on the park. Saturday’s win at Morton illustrated this point perfectly as he returned to the starting line-up. Spraying passes of varying range around the sodden Cappielow pitch, Irving was the game’s standout midfielder.

“Obviously I’m enjoying my time on the pitch,” he said, speaking exclusively to the Evening News. “I’m enjoying working under the gaffer, the coaching staff and the players. We’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds.

“I will 100 per cent be open to talks. My contract is up at the end of the season so it will be time to start talking about it soon.”

Reaction GIFs

Yesterday’s Evening News revealed exclusively that Hearts will begin discussions with Irving in the near future. Reactions from fans on social media included a series of GIFs conveying just about every receptive message from ‘happy Monday’ to ‘sign the papers’.

Football supporters are not often found in total unison but on this subject the Hearts public all tend to agree: Irving must stay. Fans’ disappointment at his absence from the starting line-up in recent weeks has been obvious, although the player is avoiding social media.

“A few months ago I got rid of my Twitter. I was just sick of social media to be honest so I haven’t really paid much attention to it,” he explained. “I get all my pals and my girlfriend messaging me because they’re all on Twitter and they see these things.

“At the end of the day, it’s up to me. I just need to keep working hard and keep trying to play to the best level I can in each game. I want to improve on things to make sure I’m progressing all the time.”

Breaking lines

Statistics show Irving plays more forward passes than anyone else at Hearts and therefore can heavily influence a game. His confidence in breaking lines to create scoring chances or release an opponent make him a valuable commodity.

His style of play and cultured left foot are also particularly easy on the eye. A touch and a drag one way before a shimmy and a dart in the other direction, his signature moves in congested midfield areas belie his inexperience. Then he waits until the precise moment to execute one of those precise through passes between opponents.

“When you’re trying to break a team down, you do have to try different things,” explained Irving. “You might give the ball away but hopefully your team is set up well enough behind you so you can pick up possession again. Then you try again. It’s important to do that.”

The best pass of the lot at the weekend was a crossfield ball for Jamie Walker to chest down and score his and Hearts’ second goal in the 2-0 victory. Irving left Greenock chuffed with his assist.

“Aye, buzzing,” he smiled. “Obviously I want to get as many goals and assists as I can so I’m delighted with that. Jamie took the ball down brilliantly and it was a great finish, so a good goal all round. I’m sure that’s number 48 for him for Hearts.

“The pitch saps a lot of energy from your legs but it was was good to be back out there – and be part of an important win. The coaches seemed pleased so that’s all I can ask for.

“Morton is a tough place but the boys passed the ball really well and controlled large parts of the game. We had a lot of chances, scored two good goals and put in a good performance.

“Apart from the two goals, we had another few chances and the Morton keeper made a really good save from Olly [Lee]. It was important to get back to winning ways.”

Cup final

It was also crucial for Irving to stake his claim two weeks before a Scottish Cup final. He is expected to retain a starting spot against Queen of the South at Tynecastle Park this weekend as Hearts continue their quest for the Scottish Championship title.

The following fixture is a much-anticipated Hampden Park date with Celtic. For a young Hearts supporter, these are the occasions you relish.

“There are definitely big games coming up. I need to keep working hard and hopefully be in the team for the cup final, or at least play a part in it. We will be hoping for a good result that day,” said Irving.

“I need to do the right things in training and play to my best when the games come round. Hopefully I get a chance to play a part against Queen of the South. Then you never know. We will wait and see what happens in the cup final.”

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