Ipswich Town: Striker George Hirst on Town's squad depth

The 24-year-old previously played in the second tier for both Blackburn Rovers and Rotherham while on loan from then Premier League Leicester City.

And the hard-working hitman, who's bagged four goals in 18 games so far this season, insisted that the current Blues are a level above.

George Hirst has bagged four goals in 18 games so far this season (Image: Ross Halls)
“Without a doubt," he enthused, when asked if this squad is the best Championship side he's played in. 

"It’s one of the main reasons I came back here. It’s just a great place to be. You look throughout the squad and we’ve got depth in every single position.

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“You’ve got competition for places which some people don’t like, but here it’s healthy, you don’t get chance to rest on your laurels – you know if you’re not doing it in training then you know there’s going to be someone else with your shirt on at the weekend.

“I think that’s great for us as a team. It keeps everyone focused and dialled in and really competitive.”

At the top of the pitch, Hirst is battling with Freddie Ladapo and Spurs loanee Dane Scarlett for starts and goals - but insists that they all want to see each other succeed.

Freddie Ladapo tends to come off the bench for Hirst (Image: Steve Waller)
He explained: “I think it’s the same all over the pitch to be honest. There’s at least two players in every position in our team.

“There’s no animosity. No matter who’s starting, the others have to be ready to come off the bench and continue the work that the other one has started.

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“I can come off, Freddie comes on and scores two goals and we win the game – brilliant.

"To me that’s what you’ve got a squad for, that’s what the boys work for, to keep that culture of no sulkers and keep everyone on board.

“I think it works, that healthy competition is only a good thing.”