Andy Irving's life after Hearts making him more resilient has he drinks in Austrian cafe culture

Andy Irving can look out from his home on to the stunning Lake Worthersee on Austria’s border with Slovenia.

If he wants to enjoy the sunshine he might sit outside watching the world go by with a coffee at the Carlotta Cafe in Klagenfurt. And when he ponders his European adventure so far, it isn’t just about how he has improved as a player. Instead, the Scot feels a greater sense of pride and satisfaction at how he has developed as a person.

Of course, he has loved sampling football in Germany and Austria after deciding to leave Hearts. But in terms of life experience? For Irving, its value is immeasurable. At 21 he was living in Munich on his own and learning a new language. Going for promotion to Bundesliga II with Turkgucu Munchen, Irving’s world was then turned upside down. The club were declared bankrupt mid-season and were dissolved in March 2022 with league games still left to play. Suddenly, Irving was on his own in Germany without a club. It would have been easy for him to return home but he’s far more resilient than that.

Instead, he earned a move to top-flight side Austria Klagenfurt where his talent is flourishing. His two goals and assist in their 3-1 win over Tirol last week suggest the 23-year-old can take his game to a new level.

It hasn’t all been plain sailing since he left Tynecastle. But Irving is adamant that taking the plunge and heading for Europe has been the making of him.

In an exclusive interview with MailSport , he said: “I always had an ambition to play abroad. I thought the style of football might suit me better, being more tactical and technical.

“Last season at Klagenfurt was brilliant for me and I’m hoping this one can be even better. But there have been tough moments, like in