Ipswich Town striker George Hirst has opened up about the emotional moment he shared with his father, David Hirst, after deciding to switch his international allegiance from England to Scotland. The 26-year-old, who received a maiden call-up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the UEFA Nations League play-off fixtures against Greece, described his father’s supportive reaction as a pivotal factor in his decision to embrace his Scottish heritage.
Hirst, born in Sheffield, had previously represented England at youth levels from Under-17 to Under-20, following in the footsteps of his father, a former Sheffield Wednesday legend who earned three caps for the Three Lions between 1991 and 1992. However, with eligibility to play for Scotland through his paternal grandfather, Hirst seized the opportunity when approached by Scotland manager Steve Clarke earlier this month. FIFA ratified the switch just in time for him to join the squad as a late addition following an injury to Lyndon Dykes.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Scotland’s crucial play-off first leg against Greece in Piraeus on Thursday, Hirst revealed the heartfelt conversation he had with his father. “I told him I’d received the call-up, and there wasn’t really much of a conversation,” Hirst said. “His first words were, ‘Go and do it – your grandad would be very proud of you playing for Scotland.’ That really meant a lot to me.” David Hirst, now 57, also shared his own perspective, telling his son that “the greatest honour in his career was playing international football,” encouraging George to “give it your best shot and see where it takes you.”
The decision marks a significant shift for Hirst, who had been capped by England at multiple youth levels, including a standout performance at the 2017 Toulon Tournament where he scored a hat-trick against Cuba and helped the Young Lions secure the title. However, with his club form at Ipswich Town catching Clarke’s eye—most notably a goal in front of the Scotland boss during an FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest two weeks ago—Hirst saw the call-up as “a dream come true” and a chance to honor his grandfather’s legacy.
David Hirst’s endorsement has resonated deeply with his son. Known for his prolific scoring record at Sheffield Wednesday, where he netted over 100 goals, the elder Hirst’s international career was brief but memorable. George, who has scored four goals in 20 appearances for Ipswich this season, admitted that his father’s blessing erased any hesitation. “Straight away, I was like, ‘Yeah, this is an opportunity I definitely can’t turn down,’” he said.
Scotland assistant coach John Carver echoed the excitement surrounding Hirst’s arrival, praising the striker’s physicality and versatility. “We’ve been monitoring him for months,” Carver told Sky Sports Scotland. “He brings a different dimension to our attack. He’s an intelligent lad, loves football, and has fitted in straight away.” With Scotland aiming to secure their place in Nations League Section A over two legs against Greece, Hirst could make his debut in front of the Tartan Army, renowned as some of the loudest fans in the world.
Hirst’s switch has also sparked discussions among fans on social media platforms like X, with some expressing optimism about his potential impact and others drawing comparisons to his father’s playing style. “He’s intense, likes to press, and get after people,” Hirst said when asked what supporters can expect. “Even if my touch or finishing isn’t there, the worst you’ll get is a seven out of 10.”