Midfielder Andy Irving says he will be ready whenever called upon by West Ham United in the season ahead.
The Scotsman has been named on the bench for each of the Hammers’ opening three Premier League games of the campaign, including the stunning 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest before the first international break of 2025/26, where the 25-year-old and his fellow substitutes Callum Wilson and Crysencio Summerville made game-changing impacts.
Now into his second year with the Club, having made ten top-flight appearances in his maiden season in east London, Irving feels in a ‘really good place’ with the Hammers after a positive start to the new term on a personal note.
And, having taken the opportunity for a reset by escaping the hectic world of football by flying back home to Edinburgh, Scotland, last weekend, our No39 is relishing the challenge of Tottenham Hotspur visiting London Stadium this Saturday, and is ready to contribute when needed by Head Coach Graham Potter.
“It was important [to have a bit of a break], to be honest. It was nice to get back home and spend a couple of days with family and friends,” said Irving.
“My girlfriend came back up with me as well, so it was really nice, and you can’t beat going back up to Scotland.
“It's good to just get that bit of time, take a slight break and just switch off and go back and see the people that you really enjoy spending your time with.
“Any opportunity I get to go home, I'll always take it. It was really important after quite a full-on summer of pre-season and the start of the season.”
Irving - always one of the first in and last to leave training - is no stranger to hard work and has required plenty of it to haul himself into Potter’s thoughts over the last month, which has tested and developed his inner drive and mental toughness.
“It's something I’ve relished,” continued Irving. “The time that I've spent with everyone on and off the pitch has been fantastic, and their experience has been invaluable. Being able to watch them, learn from them, train with them, play with them and ultimately take things from their game has made me a better player without a doubt, and I've definitely learnt a lot from it, and it has pushed me.
"It can be tough [not starting games], and I think there are periods that you go through when it can be difficult. Every day you're going out to training with the focus on the weekend. You're working towards the game, and everyone wants to play.
“So it can be tough when you're maybe not getting the number of starts you desire, but I always believe that things can take time. I'm in my second year now, so I feel a lot more comfortable, and I've got a bit more of a stand within the squad and within the environment, so I think that helps.
“Of course it can be difficult mentally, but your focus has to be on what you can control, which is by working hard and training well every day, and every time you get on the pitch, whether it's for ten minutes, 30 minutes or starting, you can only give your best.
“You've got to take it and try and impress in that time, and I've tried to do that all the time since I arrived here.”
As is always the case during the transfer window, a lot of players have speculation over their futures - and Irving was one of them.
But sometimes the press doesn't always get hold of what actually goes on, and our No39 reiterated his main focus is, when called upon, to produce his best in a Claret and Blue shirt, and believes that if he keeps doing what he’s doing, then he’ll play more games for the Club.
Irving said: “There was a lot of speculation and media [during the summer], but ultimately for me, I'm in a good place here at West Ham.
“I really enjoy it here, so I was keen to stay and continue giving my best for the Club, and I believe that I'll have another progressive year here, and I'll benefit a lot from it.
“I really enjoy the work that we put in here, and I really enjoy the role that I have within the squad on and off the pitch.”
In Irving’s most recent appearance at the City Ground, his impressive cameo helped earn a first Premier League victory on Trentside since 1996, and ahead of Saturday’s visit of Tottenham, he will again hope to impress Potter and his coaching staff at London Stadium.
“The start of the season was a bit difficult, and the two games prior to the win at Nottingham Forest weren't as positive, but I do think there were parts of the performances that were good,” added Irving.
“I think there are a lot of positives to take, especially after our 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
“It's something for us to build on, and I think it's really a big chance for us now to take that forward, to take that confidence and togetherness because I think from the start of the season we've learnt a lot already about the group, our strengths and things that we can improve on, so I think it's going to stand us in good stead for sure.
"I'll always do my best for the team anytime I'm given the opportunity, and I'll give it my all and show what I can do like I did against Nottingham Forest.
"I'm motivated, and I'm determined to do well, and anytime I get the opportunity, I'll be there, and I'll be ready.
“I think that victory showed the depth of the squad. It was an important game, and I think with the way that we performed, the mentality we showed as a team, and the togetherness that we showed, it was brilliant, and obviously I was delighted to play a part in it as well, coming on from the bench.
"It's another massive game [against Tottenham Hotspur] on Saturday. I think the fans will be up for it, the players will definitely be up for it, and I think with the atmosphere at London Stadium it could really be a great day, and we'll be ready to take the three points.”
West Ham United versus Tottenham Hotspur is always one of the standout moments of any Premier League season, and seats are available on the Ticket Exchange HERE!
