George Hirst has opened up about his father’s reaction after he switched international allegiances to Scotland, describing it as an emotional and meaningful moment in his career.
The Ipswich Town striker, 26, was a late addition to Steve Clarke’s squad for the UEFA Nations League play-off fixtures against Greece after his paperwork was approved by FIFA.
Hirst, born in Sheffield, had previously represented England at youth level but qualifies for Scotland through his grandfather.
Despite his strong English roots, it was his father, former Sheffield Wednesday frontman David Hirst, who gave him the go-ahead to pursue his international future with Scotland.
“There wasn’t really much of a conversation,” Hirst revealed. “I told him I had received the call-up, and his first words were, ‘Go and do it – your grandad would be very proud of you playing for Scotland.’ That really meant a lot to me.”
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George Hirst says Scotland call-up a ‘dream come true’ after switching allegiances
David, who earned three caps for England during his playing career, also shared his own experiences with his son.
“He told me his greatest honour was playing international football, and then he said, ‘You’ve got that opportunity now, go and give it your best shot and see where it takes you.”
With his father’s heartfelt blessing, Hirst is now hoping to make his international debut as Scotland face Greece in Athens on Thursday, followed by the return leg at Hampden Park on Sunday.
Victory over two legs would see Scotland remain in Section A of the Nations League.
