Ipswich Town have signed Leicester City striker George Hirst on loan until the end of the season. 

The 23-year-old, a player the Blues have trailed since the summer, was at Portman Road yesterday to complete his move and watched Town’s 4-1 FA Cup victory over Rotherham from the directors box.  

Hirst has been on loan at Blackburn during the first half of the season but cut his stay at Ewood Park short due to a lack of gametime, with Leicester now loaning him to Portman Road until the end of the campaign. 

"I found out about the interest and just wanted to get it done," Hirst told iFollow Ipswich.

"Now that it is, I’m delighted to be here.

"I have heard great things about the manager as well, and I couldn’t wait to get here and have a chance to work with him myself. I have had good and honest conversations with him.

"I’m here to help and I want to be involved in a promotion push. The team has done well so far this season and I want to keep that going and give us a little bit of a push.

"It’s going to be great when I get out on the Portman Road pitch and hopefully I can be part of a team that the supporters can be proud of as I know they always turn up in their numbers."

Hirst will wear the number 27 shirt for Town.

East Anglian Daily Times: George Hirst was at Portman Road to watch Ipswich Town in action on SaturdayGeorge Hirst was at Portman Road to watch Ipswich Town in action on Saturday (Image: Ross Halls)

Hirst arrives in Suffolk to compete with Freddie Ladapo, Kayden Jackson and Gassan Ahadme for a starting spot in McKenna’s side. 

He failed to score during his 11 Blackburn appearances but was prolific during the second half of last season, during his time at Portsmouth. 

He struck 13 goals after Christmas for the Fratton Park club, including five in five to end the season for Danny Cowley’s side, prompting plenty of summer transfer interest.

East Anglian Daily Times: George Hirst, pictured in the Portman Road directors boxGeorge Hirst, pictured in the Portman Road directors box (Image: Ross Halls)

Town have now got their man and continue to work on a move for Everton forward Nathan Broadhead, who was also at Portman Road yesterday as he weighed up a move to Suffolk. 

It’s understood a seven-figure fee has been agreed for the 24-year-old.