Hibs duo Jackson Irvine and Martin Boyle reverse roles for Australia's World Cup qualifying win

Australia's midfielder Jackson Irvine. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT/AFP via Getty Images)

The pair were involved when the Socceroos defeated Kuwait last week with Irvine on the scoresheet, but both sat out the 5-1 weekend win over Chinese Taipei.

However they returned to Graham Arnold’s starting line-up with aplomb and just as they did against Kuwait, the duo combined to score – but this time the roles were reversed.

Australia won 3-0 against Nepal with Boyle tapping in the third after an inch-perfect pass into his stride from his Easter Road team-mate Irvine.

Australia's midfielder Jackson Irvine (L) celebrates after scoring the second goal during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification group B football match between Australia and Kuwait. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Last week, Boyle had seen a penalty saved and Irvine spared his blushes by tucking away the rebound, but the Aberdeen-born winger was on target during his sixth international appearance with the strike just before the hour-mark.

Boyle made way shortly afterwards, but did share the pitch with another former Hibee Jamie MacLaren who played the final half hour of the win.

Harry Souttar – former Dundee United and Ross County defender and brother of Hearts defender John – also picked up his fourth cap and also came close to adding to Boyle’s strike, but hit the post with a header.

Australia complete their latest qualifying fixture cluster in Kuwait on Wednesday with a match against Jordan, the second-placed team in AFC qualification group B. Graham Arnold’s side are eight points clear at the top of the group, on 21 points.

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