He heads into the new campaign full of vigor, energy, promise and hope as Ipswich Town’s new, young hot-shot. Coming off a frustrating injury-filled year, Hirst is poised to bounce back and have an impact as one of the team’s main attacking outlets. He is set to play against Birmingham in the Sky Bet Championship curtain-raiser this Friday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football.
Hirst was instrumental in Ipswich’s recent successes, contributing significantly to the club’s promotion from League One in the 2022/23 season and the Championship in 2023/24. Last year he netted just three Premier League goals while on loan at Ipswich. He played through the pain of some debilitating knee injuries that saw him miss the whole of twelve matches.
Earlier this summer, Ipswich rewarded Hirst with a new four-year deal, reflecting the club’s belief in his potential and future contributions. The experienced striker seems very aware of the added expectations that come with stepping up to be one of the new club’s primary important players.
“I appreciate the opportunity that I have to be Ipswich’s No 9. Being that talisman and focal point is something I’ve always thrived off. It’s been something that I’ve always just — I just really got the opportunity to do. I’m at an age now where I feel like I can really kind of nail that down.”
Hirst was in and out of form last season. Though he has made 21 appearances in total, he had only started seven league games as of April 2024. Most of those contributions were made from the bench, a reality he’s all too happy to change this season. He isn’t shaken by the fight to get into the 23 man team and is eager to step up his game even further.
I have to be the captain going to take that on the chin and make amends,” he stated. Therefore, it’s on me to improve my game and provide the manager with greater selection. “It’s tough, but competition is competition. And to be fair, that’s always going to be in football and in some ways I do relish.
Even with the struggles, Hirst has done well to capitalise on his pre-season training, netting four times in four friendly appearances. His confidence is likely as high as it’s ever been as he heads into the offseason and next season.
I mean, I don’t believe I have ever been more prepared to pounce on a season than I am at this moment. That’s honestly how I feel,” he expressed.
Hirst’s impact on Ipswich extends beyond the pitch. He has become an integral part of the community and the team’s ambitions. His path has been filled with great success but tragedy. He earned his senior Scotland debut back in March. This was on top of his highly-decorated club achievements that further established his name as a young superstar on the football stage.
Reflecting on his past injuries, which included a ruptured hamstring requiring surgery that sidelined him for the first four months of 2024, Hirst noted, “If I’m getting injured as a result of something I’m not doing, that’s easier to stomach because I can take it on the chin and say it was my fault. The injuries I’ve sustained have honestly not been anything other than freak accidents.
Now, the new season offers Hirst a renewed chance to become Ipswich’s talisman. Under manager Kieran McKenna, he has shown flashes of brilliance that underscore his potential as a key player for the team.
McKenna recognized Hirst’s importance to the squad. He said that regardless of whether or not Liam came into existence, George must have had a significant impact.
As Ipswich prepare for an exciting Championship campaign, Hirst’s presence as a promising striker will be a vital asset. He had already bagged seven goals and assisted six on their Championship promotion run. In League One, a very modest place for a prolific passer, he recorded six goals and two assists. These contributions have established him as an irreplaceable resource to Ipswich.
The excitement is evident just by the enthusiastic fan reactions at the prospect of Hirst again leading the line against Birmingham. His fitness and form may well be the defining factors in Ipswich’s hopes of repeating their high finish from last season.
I’m the happiest I’ve ever been at any football club,” Hirst crowed. Reed touted his optimism as he looks ahead to the new campaign, forgoing any negative energy.
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