“It's something I’ve relished,” continued Irving. “The time that I've spent with everyone on and off the pitch has been fantastic, and their experience has been invaluable. Being able to watch them, learn from them, train with them, play with them and ultimately take things from their game has made me a better player without a doubt, and I've definitely learnt a lot from it, and it has pushed me.
"It can be tough [not starting games], and I think there are periods that you go through when it can be difficult. Every day you're going out to training with the focus on the weekend. You're working towards the game, and everyone wants to play.
“So it can be tough when you're maybe not getting the number of starts you desire, but I always believe that things can take time. I'm in my second year now, so I feel a lot more comfortable, and I've got a bit more of a stand within the squad and within the environment, so I think that helps.
“Of course it can be difficult mentally, but your focus has to be on what you can control, which is by working hard and training well every day, and every time you get on the pitch, whether it's for ten minutes, 30 minutes or starting, you can only give your best.
“You've got to take it and try and impress in that time, and I've tried to do that all the time since I arrived here.”
As is always the case during the transfer window, a lot of players have speculation over their futures - and Irving was one of them.
But sometimes the press doesn't always get hold of what actually goes on, and our No39 reiterated his main focus is, when called upon, to produce his best in a Claret and Blue shirt, and believes that if he keeps doing what he’s doing, then he’ll play more games for the Club.
Irving said: “There was a lot of speculation and media [during the summer], but ultimately for me, I'm in a good place here at West Ham.
“I really enjoy it here, so I was keen to stay and continue giving my best for the Club, and I believe that I'll have another progressive year here, and I'll benefit a lot from it.
“I really enjoy the work that we put in here, and I really enjoy the role that I have within the squad on and off the pitch.”