Connections of Irving are hoping he gets his career back on track in the StanJames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday.
A former smart performer on the level in Germany, he quickly emerged as one of last season's best novices.
However, Paul Nicholls' charge disappointed at the Cheltenham Festival and took a heavy fall upon his return to action at Wincanton in the Elite Hurdle, when he came to make his challenge.
Dan Downie, racing manager for Irving's owners, Axom, admits there has to be a slight doubt about how he will perform.
"This looks a good opportunity for him but we just hope he jumps round and then hopefully he'll be good enough," said Downie.
"It's always a worry after a fall like that but he was only winded, there was no physical damage.
"He's in good form and we are hopeful. We were looking at the Gerry Feilden but looking at the ground at Newbury we're glad we chose this instead.
"The flat track should suit and I'm nervously looking forward to it.
"Should he go and run well, then the obvious target would be the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton."
Nick Scholfield struck up a good relationship with Irving last season and is reunited after missing the Wincanton race.
The jockey still has hopes of the six-year-old developing into a Champion Hurdle contender.
"We had a good bit of success last year," Scholfield told At The Races.
"I've been in to jump him and he showed no ill effects from his fall at Wincanton so hopefully he'll go there full of confidence.
"Cheltenham was very disappointing - we fancied him but he was very flat. We knew that wasn't his true form, though, so, in a way, that was the positive we took out of it.
"He's taking on some good horses and hopefully he can show how good he is.
"He hasn't shown he's not a Champion Hurdle horse.
"Paul's done plenty of work on his jumping to get him slicker and if any man can do that he will.
"I thought he was coming to win at Wincanton, it looked like he took a blow and got a second wind.
"He's sure to improve. He needs to step up again but I'm sure he can."
John Quinn sent out the second in the race last year as Cockney Sparrow chased home My Tent Or Yours.
This weekend he is represented by another mare, Aurore D'Estruval, a late withdrawal at Haydock last weekend where she was due to take on The New One.
"We were happy with her going into last week and we're just as happy again," said the North Yorkshire handler, who won the race in 2012 with Countrywide Flame.
"There's black type on offer this weekend and as a mare you have to take that into account.
"This is a Grade One and looks a good opportunity. Cockney Sparrow was second in this last year but she's Flat-bred and a bit of a more speedier type, I think. This one is National Hunt type.
"Hopefully the ground should be no issue. It's a great race and we like supporting it.
"On ratings, she faces an easier task than she would have done last week and I'm hopeful that she'll run well.
"She's in good fettle, anyway."
Willie Mullins had the likes of Hurricane Fly and Annie Power engaged at one stage but relies on Arctic Fire.
A smart novice last season, just behind the best Ireland had to offer, he went agonisingly close to winning the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival before winning at Punchestown.
On his return to action this year he was second to Little King Robin.
John Ferguson's Sea Lord has his first run since Aintree in April while Swaledale Lad and Volcanic Jack look outclassed.
