Ipswich Town’s promotion push has been dealt a frustrating blow with the news that George Hirst is set to miss the coming weeks through injury, but Leif Davis insists the squad has the depth, belief and adaptability to cope without their first-choice striker. Speaking ahead of Town’s next fixture, the left-back acknowledged Hirst’s importance while backing the alternative attacking options to step up in his absence.
Hirst has been a key figure in Kieran McKenna’s side this season, not only for his goals but for the way he leads the line. His physical presence, intelligent movement and willingness to do the hard yards off the ball have been central to Ipswich’s high-energy pressing game. Losing him at such a crucial stage of the campaign is far from ideal, but Davis was keen to stress that setbacks are part of a long season.
“George is massive for us,” Davis admitted. “Everyone can see what he brings — he’s strong, he holds the ball up well and he gives us a real focal point. But injuries happen, and it’s about how the rest of the group responds.”
One of the immediate options to fill the void is Freddie Ladapo, who offers a different but equally effective profile. Ladapo’s pace, direct running and eye for goal give Ipswich another way of threatening opposition defences. Davis highlighted the striker’s readiness to contribute, noting that competition for places has kept standards high across the squad.
“Freddie’s been brilliant in training,” Davis said. “He’s always ready when called upon, and that’s what you want as a team. Whoever plays up front, we trust them to do the job.”
Ipswich also have the flexibility to tweak their system if required. McKenna has shown throughout his tenure that he is not afraid to adapt, whether that means using a false nine, pushing midfielders higher, or asking wide players to contribute more goals. For Davis, that tactical versatility is one of the squad’s biggest strengths.
“We’re not a one-man team,” he explained. “Our goals come from all over the pitch. As defenders and wing-backs, we’re expected to chip in too, and that doesn’t change just because George is out.”
Indeed, Davis himself has been a major attacking outlet from left-back, providing assists and dangerous deliveries into the box. With Hirst sidelined, service from wide areas could become even more important, and Davis acknowledged his responsibility to maintain high levels.
“It’s about making good decisions in the final third,” he said. “Whoever is playing striker, you learn their strengths quickly — where they want the ball, how they like to run — and you adapt.”
Crucially, Davis pointed to the mentality within the camp as a reason for confidence. Ipswich have built a reputation this season for resilience and collective effort, often finding solutions even when circumstances are not ideal.
“We’ve had challenges before and we’ve come through them,” he added. “The belief in the dressing room is strong. We know what we’re capable of, and injuries won’t change our targets.”
As Town navigate the coming fixtures without Hirst, the focus will be on teamwork rather than individuals. If Ipswich are to sustain their promotion charge, contributions will be needed from across the squad — a challenge Leif Davis believes they are more than ready to meet.
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