Ipswich Town striker George Hirst is gunning to ‘knock former club Sheffield Wednesday off their perch’ this weekend. 

The Blues host the Owls on Saturday as they bid to close a six-point gap to the League One leaders, in front of what is expected to be another packed house at Portman Road. 

While the game is a big one for Kieran McKenna’s side, it takes on extra-significance for striker Hirst, who is the son of Wednesday legend David Hirst and came through the Hillsborough club’s youth system. 

“It’s going to be a tough game,” he said.

East Anglian Daily Times: George Hirst scored his first Ipswich goal at BurnleyGeorge Hirst scored his first Ipswich goal at Burnley (Image: Ross Halls) 

“They are where they are in the league for a reason and, ultimately, we need to go and try and knock them off their perch.  

“That’s my goal and everyone else’s in the team. For me, if we can go and put on a show and play with intensity and everything off the ball, then we know we can do it on the ball and create chances. 

“It’s about getting into the off-the-ball stuff and making sure we’re consistent in that. 

“We’re expecting a tough game but, come Saturday at 3pm, then we’re going to be more than ready.” 

Hirst’s Wednesday departure in 2018, for Belgian club OH Leuven, came following a long-running contract dispute amid prolonged interest from Leicester, who Hirst did eventually join a year later following a season with the Foxes’ sister club in Belgium. 

Asked if this game takes on extra meaning for him, he replied: “Personally, yeah. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t. 

“But at the end of the day it’s a big game no matter who we’re playing against. We need wins, no matter who we play and we’re the chasers at the minute. 

“Whether it’s Sheffield Wednesday or someone lower down the league, the boys are thinking about going and winning the game. 

“We’ll be ready.” 

East Anglian Daily Times: Hirst celebrates his goal at Turf MoorHirst celebrates his goal at Turf Moor (Image: Pagepix)

Hirst opened his account for Town at Burnley on Tuesday night but it remains to be seen whether he is handed a start against Wednesday, given Freddie Ladapo is in a good run of form himself. 

“We have attacking meetings all the time and all the boys are chipping in,” Hirst said. 

“It’s nice to have the competition there and I think it drives the standards because everybody is fighting for a place. 

“Everyone knows their role in the side and there’s no first or second team. It’s whoever is doing the best and whoever is putting the work in will play, which is how it should be. 

“There’s a massive respect between all the boys which makes it great for us. It’s nice to know we have the relationships there and the trust in each other.”