Sparta Prague Signs Scottish Midfielder Andrew Irving

Sparta Prague have secured the signing of midfielder Andrew Irving from West Ham United. The 25-year-old Scot brings experience from the English Premier League, Scotland, Germany, and Austria to the Czech top flight.

Sparta Prague have secured the services of Andrew Irving. The 25-year-old Scot from Edinburgh joins from English Premier League club West Ham United and is set to strengthen the midfield of the Czech record champions.

“We know Andy from his time in the Austrian league (SK Austria Klagenfurt), where he played very well. He has been on our radar for some time. He is an intelligent, hardworking left-sided midfielder with a good eye for the game, able to vary the tempo and attacking focus, and has a keen sense for combinations. At the same time, he is also very committed defensively and carries out his duties reliably. In particular, his quick decision-making, movement, activity, and ability to resolve situations convinced us. We are very pleased that he is reinforcing our midfield,” explained sporting director and club legend Tomáš Rosický.

Foto: AC Sparta Praha

Andrew Irving was born on 13 May 2000 in Edinburgh. Already at the age of eight, he joined the youth academy of Heart of Midlothian, where he progressed through all youth levels. His greatest success with the club came in 2020, reaching the final of the Scottish FA Cup, which was lost to Celtic. In the same year, however, Irving also experienced relegation with the club to the second tier, but thanks in part to his two goals and seven assists in the following second-division season, Hearts returned immediately to Scotland’s top flight.

A classic career of a Scottish youth international – one might think. Yet in summer 2021, Irving made an unusual decision: he rejected a contract extension at Hearts and moved to third-tier club Türkgücü Munich. The club, closely connected to the Turkish community in Bavaria, had clear ambitions to rise in the German football pyramid. By spring 2022, however, high debt led to insolvency, and Irving had to leave the club after just one season.

Foto: AC Sparta Praha

He remained in the German-speaking football world, moving to Austria’s then-Bundesliga side Austria Klagenfurt. At the Wörthersee, he flourished, scoring five goals and providing eight assists in his first season. Austria finished in an impressive sixth place, and in September 2023 he signed for Premier League club West Ham United – though Irving initially remained for another year on loan in Klagenfurt.

Back in the UK, competition for his place was significantly tougher. Despite limited playing time, he received considerable praise from teammates and West Ham fans for his commitment and professionalism. Scotland’s national coach Steve Clarke also kept Irving in mind and called him up to the national team for the first time, where he made his debut in a friendly against Liechtenstein. In total, Irving made 17 Premier League appearances.