Town striker George Hirst says he has had to ‘raise his level’ this season in order to compete with fellow centre-forward and Blues top scorer Liam Delap.

Hirst has predominantly been limited to substitute appearances in the Premier League so far this term with 18 of his 19 top-flight appearances coming off the bench due to the consistent form of Delap, who has netted 12 goals since his summer arrival from Manchester City.

The only league game in which Hirst started came at Brentford back in October, a clash in which he would ultimately score his first Premier League goal and lay on an assist.

While acknowledging the season Delap is having in his position, Hirst refuses to be content with a place on the bench, insisting that it is providing him with more hunger on the training field.

“I’d say it’s never acceptance because if you sit there and accept it you’ve got no chance of ever getting in the team,” he said. “Liam’s been doing incredibly well and scoring a lot of goals.

“It’s 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 until the very end.

“No-one likes not playing and I feel like I can help the team in more ways than one, it’s about me going out there every day in training working hard and doing everything I can to get on the pitch as much as possible.”

Under the Premier League microscope, Delap has caught the eye of many of the country’s top clubs and has been consistently praised for his form in what is his debut season at the level.

Many have reeled off running power and physicality as some of Delap’s key attributes that has seen the striker been touted as a future successor to England captain Harry Kane.

Hirst has had the chance to work alongside Delap for the last few months and discussed the types of traits that he has helped develop in his own game as a result.

“We’re slightly different players in the strengths we have,” he said. “I’d be naive to not look at some of the things he’s doing and trying to incorporate that into my game, but ultimately I’ve still been focusing on what I’m good at.

“I know what I bring to the team and it’s about polishing those details as opposed to trying to do things that aren’t me. I know what I’m good at and I know what got me to the position I’m in where I can fight for that spot, it’s just about going out there every day and doing it clean.

“If there are little bits I can take from Liam, which there definitely has been this season, then going out and trying it on the training pitch and seeing whether that’s for me or not.”

Across all competitions this season, Hirst has started three times and has found the net in all three, while also notching his fourth of the season off the bench against Nottingham Forest last month.

Asked how pleased he was with his own season so far, the Scotland international said: “Every time I’m on the pitch I’m trying to score a goal. The more minutes I get, the more chance of me scoring but with the minutes I’ve had it’s been difficult.

“Liam’s been doing incredibly well and I’m old enough to understand that now. I would still like to be playing more, if anyone was sat up here they’d probably say the same thing and if they didn’t they’d be lying.

“To get four goals is something that is good, I could have had a couple more but hopefully I’m saving them for the rest of the season. If I don’t score any more and we stay up then that’s fine by me,” Hirst said speaking ahead of the weekend defeat to Wolves.

On confidence, the 26-year-old added: “It’s not something that I struggle with, to be honest. It’s something that I’ve been pretty good at over the last couple of years, it was something I worked pretty hard on with myself.

“You’re not going to play every game sometimes and for whatever reason you might not get as many minutes as you like. It’s just about not beating yourself up, it’s a game of opinions and I know what I can give to the team and I know the boss knows that. It’s tough enough for him to have to make those decisions, he’s got a squad of 26 lads who he can only pick 11 on a matchday and I understand that.

“I just see it as a challenge, if I’m not in the team then it’s no good me pointing fingers. I need to train better, have more impact when I do come on the pitch and if we’re trying to stay in the game I need to come on and secure the ball better.

“The first person I look at is myself, if I can keep going forward with that then I put myself in a position where I’m not going to get too disheartened by things and I’m just going to keep improving.”

While playing the impact role as a substitute is a something that is new to Hirst and a role he is willing to play, there is little doubt as to the position he would rather be in.

“I’d rather get better at being a starter,” he said. “It’s just a maturity thing if anything, it’s understanding that being a striker it would be very easy to come on the pitch and think I’ve got 15 minutes now and I need to score a goal, sometimes it’s just not like that.

“The Bournemouth game is a great example of that, my first thought when I’m coming on the pitch isn’t I need to score a goal, it’s that we’re under a little bit of pressure and when the ball comes up to me I have to get hold of it, buy a foul or get us up the pitch into a position where I can think about goals, getting in the box and making myself a threat again.

“It’s definitely not trying to improve on being a sub too much but it’s something you realise as you get older that it is team first and you’re just trying to give whatever the game needs at that particular moment.”

TWTD

Karlosfandangal added 12:37 - Apr 7 If Delap does leave then we have an excellent striker but will need someone to push Hirst
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WhoisJimmyJuan added 12:53 - Apr 7 Agreed. A poacher basically with Hirst the height, muscle and running.
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Leejames99 added 14:12 - Apr 7 Decent player but not sure he is Prem quality, only scored 7 in 67 in Championship but 19 in 63 in League 1 so kind of shows his level, he has 4 this season but inly 2 in Prem in 19 appearences , not great at all for an impact striker in Prem, thats been our weakness you want striker to score or help us keep the lead but how many goals have been scored in last 10 mins that is on Mckenna, not much point keeping him really as we will sign another top striker if Delap goes and Mckenna won't change formation so Hirst will be on bench mostly again, he obviously wants to be a starter and if Delap stays he has nor chance nor will he get in front of Szmodicks so a move be best for him to a club where he would be and we can make some profit on him. Maybe a Scottish prem team like Rangers or Aberdeen or low Championship like QPR. Or maybe someone in Prem like West Ham will come in for to replace Ings, difficult one as even as a starter in Championship his goal ratio isn't good enough in Championship. If Delap goes we will get a new 20 mill striker and have Szmodicks and Al Hamadi is my guess. I know he is loved but he seems ambitious and at 26 he might be better moving to a relegated Championship team whoever goes down maybe Derby or his hometown Sheff Wed, become hero there. We are in regression now so it's time for squad progression and like Southampton and most likely Leicester maybe manager progression too. See what transpires.

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jdtractor96 added 14:29 - Apr 7 I make very few comments on this forum. Leejames99 - I understand football is all about opinions, but I’ve read a few of yours in recent days and think you’re clueless.
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poet added 14:55 - Apr 7 I think it goes without saying that Delap won’t be with this club next season. George Hirst in my option is a very competent Centre Forward. However, we’ll need to recruit well for the. Championship, and another striker will be essential.
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Leejames99 added 15:15 - Apr 7 @JDtracksuitboy96 Well let us know your thoughts if I'm clueless in your opinion or like others who say the same and live in League 1 land you think we have gone down because of terrible recruitment, it's all Muric fault and Phillogene, they should all be sold and King Mckenna, Davis, Hirst, Morsy, Burns, Chaplin etc are going to bring us straight back up and they are all gonna to be much better players and we will be established in the Prem with Mckenna in Charge and the old guard intact. So I presume your starting line up for opening game in Championship led out by Mckenna I'd Walton H Clarke Woolfenden Baggott Davis Morsy Taylor Burns Chaplin Harness Hirst And I'm clueless, only 3 maybe 4 should be in next year's squad, H Clarke, Woolfenden, Broadhead maybe Chaplin if he is happy on bench that's it, the rest maybe okay in Championship but we know they aren't in Premiership or we would not be going down very simple, so if we are going to become an established Prem team now is the best time to do it with parachute payments and signings bought, and there is no guarantee that Delap goes, nobody knows if Delap has release clause or if so for how much, he has a 5 year deal and I can't see a club putting a release clause in a contract with relegation almost a certainty, especially Phillogene and Hutchinson. If there is a clause the only place Delap will be going is back to Man City from us and that's only if he wants too be back up for Haaland and Marmoush. Do you believe everything papers say. We don't have to sell him but if there is a release clause and Man City are sanctioned he will go to highest bidder but if not Man City is his only possible destination because his stock will rise further. Man City are not going to only want 28mill - 20 from us and 20% sell on if 40 million sale when they can buy him back for 40 from us and sell him for 40 themselves which is pure profit to them as he is their academy player. Same as Phillogene with Villa. If your going to give me stick please tell me your thoughts!

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DifferentGravy added 16:15 - Apr 7 Appreciate that we dont have players in certain areas that are good/fast/sharp enough to play in a 4-4-2 in the premiership. However, it would have been nice to see Hirst along side Delap for the last twenty of a few games when we needed a goal. Getting the ball into the box or even going more direct. Rather than banging heads against a brick wall with the 4-5-1 - pass - pass - pass - pass - lose possession.

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ArnieM added 16:22 - Apr 7 People are making the assumption Hirst will stay. Why would he, the way he's been dumped by McKenna? The poor side barely get 10mins on the pitch snd yet on the very few occasions McKenna has deemed to start Hirst, the boy has s ore a goal, and made an assist. I wouldn't blame Hirst one bit if he decided to up sticks and leave in the summer. It's been a slap in the face for him this season. As it has for Szmodics and Chaplin.

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flykickingbybgunn added 16:46 - Apr 7 I dont think it is a given that Delap will leave. Certainly he will make more money if he does. But as we have seen in the past it is better to be playing every week for a bloke of his age, than bench warming for Arse/Tot/Chels etc Stay with us and score 20 odd next year. Then hit the Prem hard in 26/27. But if he does not then Hirst will be gold dust for us. A more rounded player who helps others to score.

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Leejames99 added 17:17 - Apr 7 As I said Hirst is okay in Championship in my opinion but if Delap goes we need a prolific scorer aswell as Szmodicks who will definately start ahead of Hirst with 30 odd goals last season and the Al Hamadi will be there too. For Hirst he is better else where, he is never going to be Town number one and if he wants to retain Scotland place needs to be scoring. If we started with Hirst in promotion chasing team next season with money from Delap if he went we wouldn't be showing much ambition. Hirst is amazing League 1 and okay in Championship but at 26 it's not likely he will get any better but then look at Chris Wood, I just think in my opinion he be better elsewhere in a team where he would be first choice like a Derby, if I was his agent I'd tell him to go Sheff Wed and be part of their folklore like his Dad.

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Juggsy added 17:31 - Apr 7 LeeJames99, you don't half spout some shoite. Hirst won't get in ahead of Smodics? (note the correct spelling) Smodics is not and never will be a striker up on his own and certainly won't be challenging Hirst for his spot. Not sure how you don't understand this. Sometimes what is in your head is best kept in there rather than displaying it for everyone to laugh at - think before you type.

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Juggsy added 17:39 - Apr 7 I'd have no concerns with Hirsts ability, just whether we can keep him fit is the main worry and the reason he has been used so sparingly this season in my opinion.
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monkeymagic added 17:44 - Apr 7 Not on point, but I had a corporate ticket for Palace away and post match I saw George Hirst chatting with a young looking lad, who I assumed was a CPFC youth player. I’d had a few, so confidently strode over to George, interrupting his conversation to say hello and completely blanking the young chap. A few minutes later I saw the ‘young CPFC player’ being absolutely mobbed for selfies outside, at which point I was told he was Adam Wharton.

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Terrystowel added 17:56 - Apr 7 Actually guys, I think you'll find it's Szmodics. Regards, Mr Pedantic.
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ArnieM added 18:11 - Apr 7 Lol
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Juggsy added 18:42 - Apr 7 Haha, I missed the Z but missed out on the dicks!
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Leejames99 added 18:45 - Apr 7 @jugsy I'd maybe check your spelling pal before trying to make me look daft it's Sammie Szmodics, made my day that also little fact check for you Sammie Szmodics is an attacking midfielder in the main scoring 31 in 59 for Blackburn from there but also 10 in 19 as centre forward whereas George Hirst has scored 7 goals in 67 appearences in Championship so even out of position Szmodics (see the correct spelling) is by far a better scoring so if we can keep Cajuste and partner him in mid with Szmodicks then we will get another top striker or retain Delap and Hirst would still be on bench. Hirst level is league 1 where he got 19, 7 in 67 is appalling stat for main striker, so unfortunately you have looked a wee bit silly there, best to just downmark if you dont agree unless you have a valid, factual point. Thanks though - mic drop

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Rimsy added 19:40 - Apr 7 George Hirst is more than capable of being our no.1 striker next season. Just with his injury record, we'll need a competent backup. Al Hamadi looks below the required standard imo.
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Leejames99 added 20:18 - Apr 7 George Hirst Ipswich Town promotion Chasing season and we relying on a player with not even 7 goals in 67 games in the Championship, I'd agree if we were back down to League 1 which it seems half people on here would prefer which is a real possibility if we kept the majority of those League 1 lads onboard, if Mckenna thought Hirst was a good number 1 he wouldn't of signed Delap, those lads deserved a little go on Prem for most it's a league to far and we are in regression so now it's time to build around our new signings and have new heroes at the club. On a side note the same 9 or 10 who down mark me, which is fine, Doublepivot, Ipswichbusiness, Linkboy13 etc if you like Morsy and Burns etc that much you could possibly uake it in turns to car share to see them at Colchester or Cambridge maybe, Southend Utd, Leyton Orient all not too far be great signings for them, or maybe they will follow Mckenna to Sheff Wed or similar as his trajectory is very much like Danny Cowley, Scott Parker type manager. Need an experienced old school manager who has the knowledge and aggression to drop players or a foriegn manager, maybe Jose will come as a tribute to Sir Bobby. Can one of you down markers explain how you possibly think we are going to get back to the Prem and stay there with Hirst, Burns, Chaplin, Davis, Morsy, Taylor etc?

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Leejames99 added 20:24 - Apr 7 I meant number 9 obviously,
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dugoutdave added 20:53 - Apr 7 Leejames99 ; verbose or gobbie ultracrepidarian?
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Leejames99 added 21:13 - Apr 7 @dugoutdave good old school name, a bit verbose but a realistic, and prefer to look forward not back and keep the memories and move, you seem to be an intellectual wordsmith can you explain as to why some fans think that the team and Kmk who were so greatand history making in getting 2 promotions but also now a relegatio (bar a miracle) think that the same team from league 1 will now stay together in Championship stick to the plan and process and take us back up and be established, how on earth can that transpire with a striker who scored 7 on 69, a 34 year old mid, a LB who has forgot how to defend, players from lower league or unwanted from Prem clubs can do that and why they prefer to just stay in the past and don't want the club to evolve? It's fine different opinions but the silly you don't know football or your talk rubbish but with no back up why? I don't understand how a single Ipswich Town fan really thinks they would be happy with Taylor, Burns, Hirst, Morsy, Al Hamadi, Baggott, Walton etc in the squad or starting 11next season, it's madness it's football, players come and go as do managers. I'm a fan like everyone else and think it's amazing what was achieved but I also support the club and want us to be stable in the Prem and am realistic to know it won't and can't be with many of those players

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Juggsy added 21:42 - Apr 7 Mic drop my arse. Szmodics is a makeshift striker when there are no options available. George Hirst will always, always play that role ahead of Szmodics when he is fit and available. You are still making a completely invalid point. Doubling down on it just makes it worse.
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Writtleblue added 21:47 - Apr 7 Lee James , it was only a couple of weeks ago you listed all our players and labelled them cr*p, , it our players had read that it would have filled them with confidence.
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Leejames99 added 00:21 - Apr 8 @juggsy So you think Hirst 7 goals in 67 games in Championship would start upfront with Szmodics on bench who has scored 10 in 19 as 'makeshift' striker and 30 odd as attacking midfielder, one thing I can assure you George Hirst will definately not be our first choice striker next season, not a hope, he will be gone, if Delap stays he won't get a look in and if he goes a new number 9 will be signed who can get 15 goals at least. Delap doesn't have to be sold btw as he might not want to go back to City and his goals would be worth more to Town to get straight back up than 40 million. If you would be happy on opening day of season with George Hirst as our star striker then you have no ambition, go back to League One he would be, promotion Chasing team not a hope.

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