George Hirst backed by ex-England striker dad for Scotland switch
“He said the biggest honor of his career was playing international football, so give it the best shot and see where it takes you.
“It’s a dream come true. It’s an opportunity to play international football, and my grandpa is a Scotch, and it’s an opportunity to make him proud.”
Clarke needs a solid striker, Lyndon Dykes is missing due to injury, but Hirst already knows about Scotland’s interest.
“This has always been a big goal for me,” he told the YouTube channel on the Scottish FA.
“Last year, Ipswich’s media asked me that I was just trying to knock it out because I was just going to focus on Ipswich, but if I was very honest, that was always in my mind.
“Steve texted me and asked for a call and we talked for five to 10 minutes – he wondered if I was interested in playing for Scotland.
“I went to talk to my partner and my family about it, but I immediately said ‘Yes’. This is an opportunity I can’t refuse.”
Hurst made 20 appearances for Premier League clubs this season, with only three starts, but he perfectly positioned his third goal of the season when Clark beat him in a FA Cup free throw from Nottingham Forest two weeks ago.
The fourth goal was scored in a 4-2 league victory over the same opponent last weekend.
“Obviously, after the game, I saw who was there watching on X, and I knew it was myself,” Hurst said. “I tried to keep it a little quiet about it.
“I know he’ll be there. Obviously, it’s a good time to achieve his goal.”
When asked what kind of players Hirst would see as “the loudest fans in the world”, he advised: “Fierce. I love to follow people. I like to press.
“One thing I think I can guarantee is if my touch doesn’t exist, if my finish isn’t for any reason, then you’ll get the worst one out of 10. Hopefully there are a lot of goals.”
