The Brewers sit dead-last in the Championship with seven wins, 11 draws and 23 losses so far.

Although equal on points with turmoil-stricken Sunderland, now seven points adrift of safety it appears Burton's dream run to the English second division has finally come to an end. 

Burton were first promoted to the Championship under Clough in 2016 and immediately purchased rising Kilmarnock midfielder Irvine. But even Clough couldn't have expected the Aussie would have the impact he's had. 

"We've missed his goals," Clough said of the 25-year-old.

"It's strange because he hasn't been as prolific at Hull, and you'd have thought with better players around him he would have got more goals than he did with us.

"He hasn't quite managed that.

"But I think losing him and the blow of losing Liam Boyce as well is a major reason why we are where we are."

Following an 11 goal haul that kept Burton in the Championship against all-the-odds last season, Irvine's prolifacy has dipped significantly this season, but he's still become a crucial part of Hull City's set up, making 32 league appearances so far.

Hull have all but secured their place in the Championship next season, currently sitting 18th.