McCann replaced Nigel Adkins at the KCOM Stadium in the off-season and Hull are now sitting 12th in the Championship with play-off spots just six points above them.

Under McCann, Irvine has been a regular for the Tigers.

“I have a really good relationship with him,” the Socceroo told the club website.

“He was a top midfielder in his playing days and played a lot of international football, so that personal advice he can give you is always helpful.

"He’s always encouraging me to work on certain aspects of my game, and he’s also given me a leadership role within the team as vice-captain.

“I feel like I’m improving all the time. I think we’re all enjoying the season so far and the way that we have been playing in the main.

"Training is great and we’ve got a fantastic changing room with some really good characters in there.”

Irvine has been deployed in both defensive midfield and attacking midfield roles under McCann.

The Socceroo has been enjoying the demands placed on him.

“There’s been a bit of variety in terms of my role and midfield positioning and I’ve been enjoying that,” he said.

“It’s really all about how you interpret the position and as I play more games I’m finding the intricacies a little easier to get to grips with.

"I have found myself playing a little bit deeper recently and drifting out into other areas of the field but I’m just playing my part for the team.

“The formation might have changed slightly, but our philosophy hasn’t and what we’re trying to do as a group remains the same.

“Our forward players are such a threat and are so dangerous, so for us further back it’s a case of trying to get the ball to them in areas where they can hurt the opposition, just like we did at Fulham the other weekend.

“They’re a joy to watch at times with their pace and flair, so the more we can get the ball to them the more of a threat we are.”