Ipswich Town striker George Hirst has praised fellow frontman Ali Al-Hamadi for his work ethic, saying the Iraq international is 'incredible'.

Al-Hamadi, 22, has gone from League Two to the Premier League in less than a year, having only arrived at Town from AFC Wimbledon in January.

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He went on to score four goals as the Blues blitzed through the Championship, but has found opportunities harder to come by in the top tier.

With Liam Delap in red hot form and Hirst himself now back in the mix and scoring, Al-Hamadi has only made four appearances for the Blues so far this season, scoring once - in the Carabao Cup shoot-out defeat at his former team in August.

He has made history though, becoming the first Iraqi to play in the Premier League - and Hirst says he's been impressed with his determined team-mate.

Al-Hamadi scored four goals after signing for the Blues in JanuaryAl-Hamadi scored four goals after signing for the Blues in January (Image: Ross Halls) “He’s been incredible," Hirst explained. "He works as hard as anyone every single day.

"He’s putting the work in, he’s probably not had as many minutes as he would have liked – and he’s working every day to change that.

“I feel like that’s all you can do as any player in the squad."

George Hirst says Ali-Al Hamadi has been 'incredible'George Hirst says Ali-Al Hamadi has been 'incredible' (Image: PA) Hirst continued: "The eleven that play are going to be delighted and there are 18, 19, who aren’t going to play and there’s going to be disappointment.

“But everyone’s in the same position where you keep working hard and keep doing the right things and keep improving – and ultimately that chance is going to come.

“So I think he’s just in that same mind frame as everybody else.”

Al-Hamadi has played twice for Iraq in World Cup qualifiers this season, and is in their squad again for the upcoming international break.

Al-Hamadi is the first Iraqi to play in the Premier LeagueAl-Hamadi is the first Iraqi to play in the Premier League (Image: Ross Halls) Iraq, who currently sit third in their qualifying group, face Jordan and Oman over the break.

The first game is at home in Basra on Thursday, November 14th, with the latter in Muscat on Tuesday, November 19th.

Al-Hamadi has 14 caps for his country to his name so far.