By his own admission, Scotland striker George Hirst is more Peter Crouch than Neymar. But if he gets on the pitch against Brazil at the World Cup on June 24, he will still believe the Samba superstars are there for the taking. That is just his attitude. There is a lot to like about the 27-year-old Ipswich Town frontman. On the pitch, he is a handful with his power and physicality. Off it, he is a breath of fresh air. Hirst has an enthusiasm and confidence that makes it easy to see why Steve Clarke wants him in his squad.
Whether it is Neymar, hot-pod yoga, his English dad David in a kilt, or jumping around a Portuguese golf course celebrating his World Cup call-up, he is happy to talk. But what comes across most when Hirst speaks is how much he appreciates the chance to represent Scotland. Clarke rates him, and that is why he is in the 26-man pool heading to America on Sunday for the greatest show on earth.
The Journey to the World Cup
The likelihood is that Hirst will not be a starter in the States. But the manager believes he can make an impact off the bench, which might well be his role against Haiti, Morocco, or the Brazilians next month. You get the feeling that Hirst is still pinching himself that he is part of it—and might get to face Neymar and Co in Miami. But he says that no matter who plays for Carlo Ancelotti's side, Scotland will believe they can get a result.
Hirst said: "I can appreciate how good Neymar is. But if any of you have watched me play, he is not someone that I tend to model my game on! There are other options for that. I am probably more Peter Crouch than Neymar! But he is incredible. He is the kind of player who is right up there with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. When you are younger, do you think you are going to get the chance to share the pitch with those players? Not really. You kinda hope and try to work towards it. It is amazing for him that he is still going and showing the quality he has got. But when we get to that game, I don't really care who is on the pitch. It won't make any difference to me or the other boys. Whether it is Neymar or anyone else, they are there to get beat and that is what we will be trying to do."
A Family Legacy
Hirst was born in Yorkshire, and his old man wore the Three Lions on his shirt. He was even a regular scorer for England's youth teams as a teenager. But don't dare tell him that he does not feel Scottish. His Scots grandad, Eric, drilled that into him from the moment he first kicked a ball. And that is why his father, ex-Sheffield Wednesday striker David, will be supporting Scotland and not the Auld Enemy at the World Cup.
George said: "I remember when I was younger kicking the ball around in the back garden. My grandad was constantly on about scoring a goal for Scotland, it was never anything else. So that was a massive factor in my decision (to switch allegiances). Did I think I would be going to the World Cup 14 months ago? Probably not. I have treated every camp like it might be my last. I don't look too far into the future. That is why this felt so special. My grandad was Eric Hirst, my dad is David Eric Hirst and I am George David Eric Hirst. So my son is going to have a hell of a driving licence, isn't he? It is quite a mouthful—but it is not something I can ever forget. When someone asks me for my full name, I am saying my dad's and grandad's name as well."
Dad's Pride and the Kilt Question
George added: "My dad is absolutely delighted. He didn't get the chance to go to a World Cup. So it was the first thing in 27 years I had over him, which was quite nice. I don't know if you will get him wearing a kilt. No-one wants to see that, to be fair. If he doesn't go out to America, I know he will be at home watching in the pub with his mates. They will have their Scotland flags out and Scotland tops on. My grandad is a constant inspiration for me. He never really got to see me play, he passed away when I was six or seven. But having those little reminders and motivational things in my head makes me really proud."
Hirst, a keen golfer who has now taken up hot-pod yoga to get used to the heat in the US, was on the course when he learned he had made Clarke's final World Cup selection. It felt like he was a kid again—even if it did nothing for his round or scorecard. Even last week, Hirst was questioning whether it was actually happening. It was only when he hooked up with Clarke's squad in Glasgow that reality kicked in.
The Call-Up Moment
He said: "I was ecstatic. I found out about 45 minutes before the rest of the world. I was golfing with a couple of mates in Portugal. I had a putt for birdie and ended up making double! I couldn't contain my excitement even on the golf course. I was over the moon, I couldn't believe it. It was a dream when I was a kid to go to the World Cup. For the manager to give me that opportunity, I will be forever grateful. I had a glass of water to celebrate. No, of course we had a few refreshments. For the next couple of holes, I was running around letting everybody know that I had been picked. It was a massive relief and a really proud moment for me. The last week has been weird, it hasn't sunk in yet. I got this email but it is a bit like—is this real? But as soon as I got here, I knew it was real and go time. I can't express how happy I am to be here."
Playing Style and Role
Hirst is a traditional centre-forward who relies on strength, hold-up play, and aerial ability. Standing at 6 foot 3 inches, he draws comparisons to Peter Crouch, a former England international known for his height and technical skill. Hirst has proven effective in the Championship for Ipswich Town, where he has become a key figure under manager Kieran McKenna. His physical attributes make him a useful weapon from the bench, especially against tiring defences.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke has long appreciated Hirst's qualities. Since switching allegiance to Scotland in 2024, Hirst has earned several caps and scored his first international goal in a friendly against Denmark. Clarke values his work rate and selfless attitude, which fits into Scotland's team ethic. The squad also includes other strikers like Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes, but Hirst's unique profile gives Clarke a different option.
The Group Stage Challenge
Scotland are drawn in Group B alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Morocco. The clash with Brazil on June 24 in Miami is the marquee fixture. Brazil, led by manager Carlo Ancelotti, boast superstars like Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo. However, Hirst is unfazed. "They are there to get beat," he insists. Scotland's chances may be slim on paper, but the team has shown resilience under Clarke, qualifying for the World Cup after a 28-year absence. The memory of their Euro 2020 campaign, where they held England to a draw, provides belief.
Hirst's journey from the Sheffield Wednesday academy to the World Cup is a testament to perseverance. He went on loan to several clubs, including Rotherham United, Portsmouth, and Blackburn Rovers, before establishing himself at Ipswich. His father, David Hirst, was a prolific striker for Sheffield Wednesday and England in the 1990s, scoring over 100 goals for the Owls. George has often spoken about the pressure of living up to the Hirst name, but he now embraces it.
Preparations in America
The Scotland squad will fly to the United States on Sunday for a pre-tournament training camp. They will play warm-up matches against Colombia and Canada before their opening World Cup game against Haiti on June 16. Hirst is excited to experience the American atmosphere. "I have never been to a World Cup, so everything is new. The heat will be a challenge, but the yoga has helped. I am ready for whatever comes."
The story of George Hirst is one of identity, family, and determination. From kicking a ball in his back garden with his grandad's voice in his ear to sharing a pitch with Neymar, it is a dream come true. And whether he starts or comes off the bench, he will give everything for the Scotland jersey. As he says, "I am more Peter Crouch than Neymar, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that I am here, I am Scottish, and I am ready to make my grandad proud."
Source: Daily Record News