Town have confirmed the signing of Leicester striker George Hirst on loan for the rest of the season.

TWTD revealed o Saturday that long-time target Hirst was watching the game against Rotherham United as discussions continued regarding his switch.

The frontman spent the first half of the season on loan at Blackburn Rovers but that move has been cut short.

“I found out about the interest and just wanted to get it done,” Hirst, who will wear the number 27 shirt, told iFollow Ipswich. “Now that it is, I’m delighted to be here.

“I have heard great things about the manager as well and I couldn’t wait to get here and have a chance to work with him myself. I have had good and honest conversations with him.

“I’m here to help and I want to be involved in a promotion push. The team has done well so far this season and I want to keep that going and give us a little bit of a push.

“It’s going to be great when I get out on the Portman Road pitch and hopefully I can be part of a team that the supporters can be proud of as I know they always turn up in their numbers.”

In May last year, TWTD was first to report that striker Hirst was being targeted by the Blues with discussions regarding a permanent switch continuing for much of the summer.

However, the 23-year-old ultimately signed a new three-year contract with the Foxes and was sent out on loan to Championship Rovers in a season-long loan deal which included an option to buy.

But Hirst had a frustrating time at Ewood Park, making only three starts and eight sub appearances without scoring.

Former England U17s, U18s and U19s international Hirst spent 2021/22 on loan at Portsmouth, scoring 15 goals in 32 starts and 14 sub appearances, all from November onwards.

Hirst, the son of former Sheffield Wednesday and England frontman David, started his career with the Owls before joining Belgian second division side OH Leuven in June 2018, then a year later moved on to Leicester.

Since signing for the Foxes the 6ft 3in tall frontman, who played alongside Andre Dozzell, Flynn Downes, Tristan Nydam and Nick Hayes with the Young Lions, has made only two sub appearances, spending time on loan at yesterday’s opponents Rotherham in 2020/21, failing to score in four starts and 28 appearances from the bench, before last season’s spell at Pompey.

Hirst is Town's second signing of the January window following the addition of midfielder Massimo Luongo last Thursday.

Photos: ITFC

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 06:18 - Jan 9 We only have eleven starting spots and there are now a lot of possible combinations, both up top and in midfield - even at the back considering how well K V-Y played on Saturday. I think there will be quite a lot of rotation, but I'm backing K McK to manage that effectively. COYB!
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terryf added 07:08 - Jan 9 Exciting times! I remember watching his Dad play and if George is half as good we've got some player. Broadhead now coming onboard, another good signing. Can see McKenna rotating the strikers to keep up the intensity. McKenna's is not just thinking about building a Squad that can get us promoted but one that will be 'oven ready' for the Championship. Probably why we'll be better equipped to succeed, rather than the likes of Rotherham, if we can get out of this awful division!!

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dirtydingusmagee added 09:05 - Jan 9 great news perhaps we will see more chances converted to goals now, and more POINTS , What do points mean ........POINTS MEAN PRIZES ! COYB
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Michael101 added 09:23 - Jan 9 Blues1 ,is rotating your strikers not dropping someone. Even if it's only to the subs bench ??
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dirtydingusmagee added 09:26 - Jan 9 6' 3'' .........NICE .
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BobbyBell added 10:06 - Jan 9 Eight changes on Saturday and a 4-1 win. Five subs allowed in the league. Our squad is getting better and better. What we have on the bench is frightening to other teams. I hope Hirst will be the man to put away those crosses that keep whizzing across the goal mouth. With him in the six yard box and others running in for the cut backs we must surely start to finish more of the numerous chances we keep creating.

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Razor added 10:09 - Jan 9 Looks like he has not been very well treated by his last 2 clubs so I guess he is raring to go---a full house against the league leaders should be a nice incentive. Noe get Aaron Collins or Sam Hoskins in and that should do the job!!
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Bert added 10:09 - Jan 9 Great loan signing. Cambridge sold out in 2 minutes ! Every available seat said not available so I assume that others had clicked it first. Grrr !
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Razor added 10:11 - Jan 9 Now for Aaron Collins or Sam Hoskins and that should do the job.
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dubblue added 10:38 - Jan 9 Good signing, and with I assume Broadhead to be confirmed soon exciting times at Town. With Massimo Luongo also here until the end of the season what's the scope for further additions?
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Linkboy13 added 10:54 - Jan 9 With potentially four strikers at the club it's going to be difficult to keep them all happy, although i think Broadland is more of a number ten.
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inghamspur added 10:58 - Jan 9 Great signing. Less game time for Ladapo & Jackson now, thank heavens.
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TimmyH added 12:09 - Jan 9 Quite limited time on the pitch loan at Blackburn I've noticed and no goals...but no doubt potential there after a reasonable last season on loan at Portsmouth. Of course proof of the pudding is in the eating :) Welcome George and all the best!
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KMcBlue added 12:14 - Jan 9 If he can arrive in the 6 yard box at the right time he'll play every week, as we don't have a player who can do that
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