Kieran McKenna has moved to publicly back striker George Hirst, urging the forward to “stick at it” as Ipswich Town continue to search for greater consistency in the final third. While goals have at times been hard to come by, the Blues boss remains convinced that Hirst’s overall contribution will be rewarded if he maintains his work rate and belief.
Hirst has found himself under scrutiny in recent weeks, with supporters eager to see more end product from a player whose physical presence and movement promise so much. The striker has been involved in several promising attacking phases but has not always been able to convert chances into goals. For McKenna, however, that is a natural part of a forward’s development, particularly in a demanding campaign where margins are tight and pressure is constant.
Speaking after Ipswich’s latest outing, McKenna emphasised that judging a striker purely on goals can overlook the wider impact they have on the team. He highlighted Hirst’s pressing from the front, his ability to occupy defenders, and the space he creates for teammates arriving from midfield or wide areas. In McKenna’s system, those elements are not optional extras but fundamental requirements.
The Ipswich boss also stressed the importance of patience, both from the player and from those watching on. Football history is littered with examples of strikers who went through lean spells before finding rhythm and confidence. McKenna believes Hirst is showing the right signs, even if the numbers have yet to fully reflect that.
“Strikers live for goals, and of course George wants to score,” McKenna noted. “But there’s a lot he’s doing well. If he keeps working, keeps getting into the right areas and keeps trusting the process, the goals will come.”
That message is particularly important in a squad that relies heavily on collective effort rather than individual stardom. Ipswich’s attacking structure is built on movement, pressing, and intelligent link-up play, with Hirst often acting as the focal point. His willingness to battle centre-backs, bring others into play, and lead the press sets the tone for the rest of the side.
Hirst himself has shown no signs of shrinking from the challenge. Despite frustration at missed opportunities, his body language has remained positive, and his commitment has been evident in his off-the-ball work. Those close to the club suggest he remains determined to repay McKenna’s faith, aware that one decisive moment can quickly change perception.
McKenna’s backing also sends a broader message to the squad: effort and adherence to the game plan will be rewarded, even during difficult periods. In a long season, confidence can ebb and flow, but clear support from the manager can be a powerful stabiliser.
As Ipswich look ahead to a demanding run of fixtures, the hope is that Hirst’s persistence will soon be matched by tangible returns. For now, McKenna’s stance is clear. Stick at it, trust the work being done on the training ground, and keep believing. If Hirst does that, Ipswich’s head coach is confident the goals – and the praise – will follow.
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