Brighton 0-0 Ipswich Town: George Hirst post-match reaction

Town defended resolutely throughout, in the face of consistent Brighton pressure, to make it two games unbeaten in the Premier League with a cracking away point at an in-form side.

READ MORE: Alex Jones' verdict on Brighton draw

“I think we did well on the whole and we’re definitely still learning as a group,” Hirst, who came on as a second half sub, said.

“We’ve had a few internationals going away last week, which is great for them to be away with their national teams but for us it was tough.

“Coming back and you’ve got a pretty new group of lads who showed out there that they’re all fighting for each other. With the gaffer that is the bare minimum that you can come to expect from us.

“No matter whether we’re playing good or bad, we’re always going to fight for each other and that’s what ultimately got us a point today.

“We’ve got 11 lads on the pitch at any one time and every single one of them is willing to put their body on the line for the team to try and get the result that we want.

“Unfortunately today we didn’t manage to get the three points, but come the end of the season you could look back and say it was a pretty good point.

"Whoever’s on the pitch, whether it’s the lads who are starting or coming off the bench, everyone knows how important the squad is.

"Everybody is on the same page with knowing when you’re on the pitch you’ve got a job to do, everyone’s fully on board with that.”

George Hirst in action at Brighton (Image: Ross Halls) The Blues had to battle hard for the draw, with Brighton dominating the ball and having multiple shots on goal.

And Hirst said Town proved they could get through 'tough moments' at the very top level.

“We know we’re not going to have the ball as much as we’re used to, but it’s about weathering the storm at times," he explained.

"Today we did that remarkably well and is what ultimately got us the point.

“It can be tiring, but that’s what we’re here for when we go out there, no matter if its 90-plus minutes nowadays.

"No matter what the time on the clock is, who is on the pitch or how tired you are, unfortunately you’ve just got to keep going and keep pushing.

“I’ve been in that situation when you’re tired and you’ve got 10 lads around you who are screaming and shouting at you getting you through those tough moments.

“When you’ve got 11 lads on the pitch at any one time doing that, ultimately you’re going to go in the right direction. It feels like that’s a massive part of it, just working hard and being together."

Kieran McKenna's men are unbeaten in two games (Image: Ross Halls) The game was Hirst's first since injuring his knee in the pre-season clash against Fortuna Dusseldorf at Portman Road.

And the big striker said he's happy to be back. “I got back a little bit ahead of schedule which was nice and just to get out there, have an effect and ultimately help the boys," he enthused.

"It’s all well and good watching but nobody wants to be watching the game when you’re injured.

“While being injured it’s just been a case of listening to the gaffer and taking on board the information that he’s given the rest of the lads, so when I was back I was ready to go and my brain was switched onto Premier League football.

“I’m delighted to be back and hopefully that’s the end of the injuries.”