Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna believes that striker George Hirst will play a big role this season as his side push for promotion to the Premier League.
The 26-year-old joined the Tractor Boys in July 2023 after a successful loan spell helped the club achieve promotion from League One. He then chipped in with seven Championship goals the following season as Ipswich achieved back-to-back successes, ending their 22 year stay outside the top division.
Hirst found himself on the fringes of the squad in the Premier League. Playing second fiddle to Liam Delap, he made 26 appearances, although the majority of these came from the substitutes bench.
Hirst Set For More Prominent Role
With Delap joining Chelsea in a £30 million deal last month, the Scotland international has a huge opportunity to stake a claim in the starting lineup. He has enjoyed a successful pre-season, scoring twice against BW Linz and once against Aberdeen.
McKenna is yet to replace his former talisman, but has stated his believe that Hirst could be ready to fill the void. Speaking after their latest friendly victory, the ex-Manchester United coach said:
“We think he’s really primed to have a good season. I think he’s a striker who has really got his best years ahead of him, for sure.
“In my opinion, he’s a late developer, who is 26 but I think he’s really just finding his body and finding his power, understanding his game, growing as a leader. I think he’s in a great place in his career.
“So, touch wood, he can stay fit throughout the season and I think he can have a really strong year.”
✍️ We are delighted to confirm striker George Hirst has signed a new contract with the Club.
Hirsty’s new deal runs to the summer of 2029. ⤵️
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) July 4, 2025
The manager’s fitness comments follow an injury plagued last two seasons at Portman Road, which has seen the attacker miss 212 days of action. Despite that, he committed his future to the club earlier this month by penning a fresh four year deal.
Writer’s View
Hirst is a player that can have a big impact on Ipswich’s promotion ambitions this season. It was already apparent that the Tractor Boys felt the same way when they tied him down to his new contract at the beginning of the month, but McKenna’s comments will give the striker a huge confidence boost. He has had to be patient with his opportunities, especially with his injury issues of the last couple of years, but this could be a big season for the 26-year-old.
