George Hirst, the Ipswich Town forward, spoke candidly about his role in the team and his recent experiences on the international stage. Despite being sidelined by injury and facing stiff competition from teammate Liam Delap, Hirst remains focused on contributing to his team and honing his skills.
George Hirst said: “Liam’s been doing incredibly well and I’m old enough to understand that now. I would say it’s never acceptance, because if you just sit there and accept it then you’ve got no chance of ever getting in the team. Liam’s form has meant I’ve had to raise my level to keep pushing him and give myself the best chance of giving the gaffer a decision to make. I’m going to keep doing that right to the very end.”
Hirst, who recently scored in a 4-2 defeat against Nottingham Forest, has been used primarily as a substitute this season, making 20 appearances off the bench. His determination to improve and contribute to the team remains unwavering.
George Hirst continued: “No-one likes not playing and I feel like I can help the team in more ways than one. Asked if he felt he had got better at being a sub, he laughed: ‘I hope not! I’d rather get better at being a starter! It’s just a maturity thing. Being a striker it would be very easy to think, ‘Right, I’ve got 10/15 minutes, I need to score a goal’, but sometimes it’s not like that. As you get a little bit older you realise it’s team first and giving whatever the game needs at that moment.”
Hirst also made his debut for Scotland, an achievement he cherishes deeply. Reflecting on his international experience, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the support from his teammates and coach Steve Clarke.
George Hirst added: “As a young kid you aspire to get to that level, international football is the pinnacle, so it was an opportunity I was never going to pass up on. All the boys were absolutely incredible with me and I really enjoyed being around them. I’ll forever be grateful to Steve Clarke for the call-up. Hopefully it’s not the last time and I can keep on getting selected.”
The striker also acknowledged the influence of his father, David Hirst, a former England international, in shaping his approach to football and life.
George Hirst said: “He’s never put pressure on me. He always said to me, ‘Whatever you want to do just make sure you’re trying to be the best at it’. When I was a little bit younger there were times where I thought, ‘What is he on about, I’ve just scored a hat-trick and he’s on about the one I missed’. He’s always been top drawer with me and trying to help me out. He’ll ring me after games and if he says I did alright then I know I had a pretty good game, because if I didn’t do alright then, trust me, I’d know about it!”
Hirst’s journey continues as he balances his aspirations for more playing time at Ipswich Town with his burgeoning international career.
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