Hirst's ready to show he can be the best

GEORGE HIRST is determined to show he can fill the boots of a £30million striker as well as fire Scotland to the World Cup finals.

- By Scott Burns

The 26-year-old, above, forward opened his international account with a goal in the 4-0 thumping of Liechtenstein on Monday.

Hirst has signed off the season on a high and wants to continue that by showing he can be the main man at Ipswich Town and be the ideal replacement for Liam Delap, who has joined Chelsea for big money.

Hirst also knows that making a fast start in the Championship can help him keep his place in Steve Clarke's squad for the World Cup qualifiers which begin in September, away to Denmark.

"It's about hitting the ground running in the new season," said Hirst.

"I don't think I've played as many games, not started as many games, as I would have quite liked last season. I spent a lot of time injured.

"We had Liam Delap at Ipswich who was banging the goals in. So it was pretty tough.

"But that is football. People come, people go.

"I'm sure there will be new bodies in the building at Ipswich. There's no doubt about that. But it's about me and about what I can offer.