St. Pauli's Irvine ready to lose teeth again in derby
FC St. Pauli captain Jackson Irvine is willing to accept physical injuries again if necessary for a success in the city derby against Hamburger SV. Last October, he lost part of his front teeth in a collision with HSV goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes. "But it was worth it," said the Australian with a laugh on Tuesday in a media roundtable for the top match of the 2nd Bundesliga this Friday evening (18:30/Sky). St. Pauli won the derby with 3:0.
Irvine was already wearing a face mask at the time due to an injury he had suffered a few days earlier. "Whatever comes next for me: that's part of the game," said the 30-year-old midfielder. "It will be a special game."
The high-risk match, which will be accompanied by a massive police presence, has far more to offer in the current constellation than just prestige in the Hanseatic city. "Friday night, derby, first versus second: I think it could hardly be better for soccer fans," said Irvine, who is currently three points ahead of HSV with his team.
Irvine once again prepares to face potential harm in the Bundesliga 2 derby against Hamburger SV, just as he did during their previous encounter where he lost teeth. FC St. Pauli, led by Irvine, is currently in the top position in Bundesliga 2, holding a three-point advantage over their city rivals.
Source: www.dpa.com
