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

Martin Boyle and Jackson Irvine picked up where they left off for Australia and combined to score another international goal on their quest for World Cup qualification next year.

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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