JACKSON IRVINE last night left Ross County to join Championship new boys Burton Albion in what is understood to have been a £250,000 deal.
The Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership club were reluctant to sell the Australian international midfielder and had previously knocked back smaller bids from the ambitious, newly-promoted English club.
But Burton’s latest offer triggered a release clause in the former Celtic youngster’s County contract.
Manager Jim McIntyre said last night: “After refusing a number of bids from Burton Albion, they submitted an offer which met Jackson’s release clause.
“He has subsequently agreed terms to join the Championship club,
“We reluctantly see Jackson head south but, at the same time, wish him the very best on what will be a great opportunity for him personally.
“Jackson was a key part of the Ross County side that made history last season by winning the League Cup and finishing in the top six.
“He is a great character and very popular around the training ground and with the fans, so he really will be missed.
“But we wish him well on the next stage of his career which I’m sure will be a great success.”
Irvine, 23, born in Melbourne, joins Burton on a three-year deal.
The four-times capped Oz international made a substitute appearance against England at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on May 27 this year.
He never quite made the breakthrough at Celtic, playing just once for the first team, before boosting County’s relegation survival bid after moving to the Highlands on loan in September 2014.
He rejoined the Dingwall club on a permanent basis for last season’s ground-breaking first national cup success and top six finish after County paid an undisclosed development fee.
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