Hull City new-boy Jackson Irvine described leaving Burton Albion as 'difficult', but admitted that the lure of a club that is looking for an immediate return to the Premier League was too much to turn down.

Last season's top-scorer and player of the year gave an extensive interview with the Tigers' website after his signing was confirmed on Wednesday morning, revealing that he has taken the opportunity to join Hull because of the recently-relegated Premier League side's ambition.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be signing here," said former Brewer Irvine.

"It has all happened relatively quickly but I'm just looking forward to starting a new chapter in my career. I'm buzzing about it.

"It's only recently that a move has come onto the radar and Hull were really keen to sign me.

"Leaving Burton Albion was difficult in its own way because that club was great for me, but having the chance to come here and progress and move forward with a club that has great ambitions is something that I'm delighted about.

"It's been a big few years for me - coming through the youth team at Celtic, moving to Ross County, coming down to England with a year at Burton and now finding myself at a club like Hull City. It's been a bit of a whirlwind but I'm so excited to be here."

Irvine also addressed the afternoon earlier this month that saw those in attendance at the KCOM witness the best and the worst of Irvine in Hull's 4-1 victory over the Brewers.

The former Ross County man curled in a sensational first-half equaliser after Abel Hernandez's opener, but saw himself sent off for a second-bookable offence only minutes later.

"It was very much an afternoon of mixed emotions," Irvine added.

"There was a fantastic atmosphere from the fans and I remember it was quite intimidating stepping out as an away player that day," recalled Irvine.

"I do hope the fans remember me more for the goal than what happened after! I hope they will now see more goals like that from me. I was pretty clinical last season at Burton and hopefully I can create a few chances and score a few goals here now.

Jackson Irvine challenges Alexis Sanchez as Australia take on Chile in the Confederations Cup
Jackson Irvine challenges Alexis Sanchez as Australia take on Chile in the Confederations Cup

"The one thing I do try and show is a high energy game, I like to cover the ground and be involved in the game at both ends.

"At 24, I'm still developing as a player and still have a lot to learn but being around the quality of player we have here and working with the staff at this Club will help me to grow as a player in the coming years."

As Brewers fans will attest, it is not only club level that Irvine is excelling at - his excellent performances at club level earned him his first international start last term, and culminated in a call-up to the Confederations Cup this summer.

There he rubbed shoulders with the likes of Chile duo Alexis Sanchez and Alex Vidal - and that's given him a taste for more international success, especially with a World Cup at the end of the season.

"I've been regularly involved in the Australia squad for the last 12 months now and that has been amazing," continued Irvine.

"We've got a big couple of games coming up and fingers crossed they can lead to us qualifying for Russia next year.

"Then I'll be coming back here and looking forward to getting started. It feels a bit strange signing here and then flying off a week-or-so, but when I get back it will be all about preparing for the game against Derby County."