Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has offered an insightful assessment of striker duo Ivan Azon and George Hirst, as Town continue to chase consistency in front of goal. With the business end of the season approaching, McKenna’s comments underline both the patience and belief he has in his attacking options.
Hirst, in particular, has found himself back in the spotlight after rediscovering his scoring touch in recent weeks. The forward’s movement, work rate, and physical presence have always made him a valuable asset in McKenna’s system, but goals are the currency by which strikers are judged. After a spell where chances came without reward, Hirst has begun converting opportunities with greater confidence, and the shift has been noticeable.
McKenna was quick to stress that Hirst’s improved goal return is no accident. Behind the scenes, the striker has maintained high standards in training, focusing on sharpness inside the penalty area and composure in one-on-one situations. The manager pointed out that strikers often go through peaks and troughs, and what matters most is their response. In Hirst’s case, that response has been professional and determined.
Importantly, McKenna highlighted the all-round nature of Hirst’s contribution. Even during lean spells, the forward’s pressing from the front, ability to link play, and willingness to occupy defenders created space for others. Now that the goals are flowing again, those attributes are being complemented by tangible end product, making him an even more complete attacking threat.
While Hirst’s resurgence grabs headlines, Ivan Azon remains a fascinating figure within the squad. The Spanish forward has shown flashes of quality since arriving, demonstrating sharp movement and a natural instinct around the box. However, adapting to the physicality and tempo of English football can take time, and McKenna acknowledged that Azon is still in that adjustment phase.
The manager emphasized that patience is key. Azon’s performances in training have impressed the coaching staff, and McKenna believes that once he fully acclimatizes to the league’s demands, his finishing instincts will shine through. There have been encouraging signs — clever runs between centre-backs, intelligent positioning in transition, and a willingness to press aggressively — but the final touch has not always matched the build-up.
McKenna’s approach with Azon mirrors the methodical development pathway he has used successfully with other players. Rather than piling on pressure, he prefers to build confidence incrementally, ensuring that young or newly integrated players feel supported rather than scrutinized. In a long Championship campaign, squad depth and morale are crucial, and Azon’s readiness could prove decisive in tight matches.
What stands out from McKenna’s comments is his broader philosophy. He refuses to isolate goal scoring as the sole metric of success. Instead, he evaluates strikers on their contribution to the collective structure — pressing triggers, defensive work rate, and tactical discipline. In that context, both Hirst and Azon are meeting expectations, even if their goal tallies differ.
For Town supporters, the prospect of both forwards hitting form simultaneously is an exciting one. With Hirst rediscovering confidence and Azon steadily growing into his role, Ipswich’s attacking options appear increasingly balanced. As McKenna continues to fine-tune his side, the blend of experience and emerging talent up front could be the catalyst for a strong finish to the campaign.
Ultimately, McKenna’s measured words reflect a manager who understands the psychology of strikers. Goals may define headlines, but trust and development define seasons — and at Ipswich Town, both Azon and Hirst seem firmly in the picture.
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