IPSWICH striker George Hirst is being made to sweat over his first Scotland call-up.
SunSport first revealed the former England Under-20s cap was ready to turn his back on the Three Lions.
As a teenager George Hirst was tipped for big things… with ENGLAND[/caption]
The Ipswich striker is in Steve Clarke’s thoughts for the Nations League play-off double-header[/caption]
The Scotland boss watched him in FA Cup action last week[/caption]
Now Steve Clarke wants to name him in Tuesday’s squad for the upcoming Nations League double-header play-off with Greece.
But as yet the SFA have NOT completed the FIFA paperwork which would give Sheffield-born Hirst, 26, the go-ahead to switch countries.
Clarke – stung by a last minute change of heart by Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson over a Scotland call-up – will only pick the attacker once everything is officially rubber-stamped.
That could see the Tractor Boys ace see his call-up delayed until later in the week if Hampden admin chiefs can’t cut through the red-tape in time for the official squad announcement at noon.
But it’s believed the striker – son of former Sheffield Wednesday and England star David – has vowed he’s ready to commit to Scotland.
Asked about potential call-ups last November Hirst said: “That is something for the future.
“I don’t know if that is tomorrow or five years down the line.
“Everybody wants to play at the highest level possible wherever that is.
“Right now, I wish I could say more but there is nothing more to say. I will keep doing all I can here and see where that takes me.”
Clarke – who watched Hirst in action in the FA Cup last week – is without injured hitmen Lyndon Dykes and Ben Doak for the double-header.
Doak’s season could be over after he underwent surgery.
The former Celtic kid, 19, has been on loan at Middlesbrough from Liverpool this season.
He’s excelled in the Championship, dazzling fans with his skilful displays.
George Hirst career stats
2016-18 – Sheffield Wednesday: 2 games, 0 goals
2018-19 – OH Leuven: 22 games, 3 goals
2019-23 – Leicester City: 2 games, 0 goals
2020-21 – Rotherham (loan): 31 games, 0 goals
2021-22 – Portsmouth (loan): 40 games, 13 goals
2022-23 – Blackburn (loan): 9 games, 0 goals
2023 – Ipswich (loan): 21 games, 6 goals
2023-present – Ipswich (loan): 41 games, 8 goals
* league appearances only
He has also become a key player for Steve Clarke‘s Scotland side after making his debut in September.
The winger hasn’t featured since playing in Middlesbrough‘s 2-1 defeat to Preston at the end of January.
He then suffered a thigh injury in training which has kept him out since.
Now, he’s been forced to undergo surgery and has returned to Liverpool for treatment.
Hirst with Ipswich superfan Ed Sheeran[/caption]
It’s a big setback for Scotland, and for Middlesbrough too with Michael Carrick‘s men pushing for the Championship play-offs.
There’s still hope Doak could return before the end of the campaign but it’s very uncertain.
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