Ipswich Town sign George Hirst on permanent deal

The 24-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Portman Road, keeping him at the club until 2027.

Hirst spent the second half of last season on loan with the Tractor Boys, scoring seven goals in 23 appearances to help Kieran McKenna's side to promotion from League One into the Championship.

"Ipswich has felt like home for the last six months and that's a big part of why I wanted to come back here so much," Hirst told the club's official website.

"The last few months of last season were massive for me, doing what we did as a team, and that was something I wanted to carry on being part of for sure.

"The reception I got from the fans, players and staff here was brilliant, so I'm delighted to be back here and I'm looking forward to the challenge of the Championship.

"The manager improved my game massively and he's probably the best I've worked with, both him and his staff, and it helped my development no end. Once you have got that taste you don't want to go back.

"He has been absolutely amazing for me - long may it continue."

Manager Kieran McKenna added: "We're delighted to have George with us permanently.

"He is at a good age and hopefully has his best years ahead of him. He has the potential to improve and the willingness to learn and show he can be a really good forward at the next level.

"We think this is the right team for him to do that in and he thinks the same, so that makes for a really good move for all parties."

Ipswich chief operating officer Luke Werhun also commented on the transfer, saying: "We're delighted George has signed for the club on a permanent basis. It's a deal we've been working on for a long time and I'm so pleased it's finally over the line.

"George made a significant contribution during the second half of last season, scoring some very important goals to help us win promotion to the Championship. We're excited to see him continue his development at the club."

Hirst could make his second competitive debut for the club when they take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in their first game back in the Championship on August 6.