Ipswich Town: George Hirst called up to Scotland squad after England switch

Ipswich Town striker George Hirst has been called up to the Scotland national squad after switching his allegiance from England.

Last week, FIFA’s Change of Association Platform confirmed the 26-year-old is now eligible to play international football for Scotland.

Hirst, who represented England at U17, U18, U19 and U20 levels and for whom his father David was capped three times at full level, qualifies to play for Scotland via his grandfather.

Hirst was left out of Steve Clarke’s initial party as it was named before his change of allegiance, but will link up with his national side today.

He will join Blues goalkeeper Cieran Slicker who has been named in the senior Scotland squad for only the second time.

When asked about Hirst’s anticipated first call-up on Friday, Town manager Kieran McKenna said: “I know that’s been a goal for George over the last couple of years, when we signed him we spoke about it.

“He was proud of his Scottish heritage and was really keen to gain international honours with Scotland if possible.

“Like so many of the other boys, quite a few of the team now have come from League One and are now senior internationals.

“He’s worked really hard through the two divisions with us, has had a good impact this year and, hopefully, I think there’s strong interest there from George, strong interest from Scotland and it’s in the process.

“Hopefully that process can be completed and he can get that international recognition, which I think he really deserves.”

Scotland play Greece in a two-legged Nations League play-off in Piraeus on Thursday, March 20, and at Hampden Park the following Sunday.

The matches come after Steve Clarke's side finished third in Group 1, behind Portugal and Croatia, but ahead of Poland.