Kieran McKenna, the manager of Ipswich Town, has revealed that there is a possibility of George Hirst and Wes Burns returning to the matchday squad for their upcoming clash against Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Saturday. This news suggests a potential boost for Ipswich as they prepare for the important fixture.
The striker’s last appearance for the Blues was in the Boxing Day match against Leicester City at Portman Road, but he had to be substituted in the first half due to a hamstring injury. Similarly, Burns was also sidelined in the 38th minute of Town’s 6-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on March 16, also due to a hamstring issue.
Following his injury, Hirst underwent surgery in January, prompting Town to make new signings during the transfer window, including Kieffer Moore and Ali Al-Hamadi.
Currently sitting in third place in the Sky Bet Championship table, Ipswich Town will face Liam Rosenior’s play-off-chasing team at the MKM Stadium.
They are positioned one point behind second-placed Leeds United, with a game in hand. Moreover, they are trailing leaders Leicester City by five points, following Leicester’s impressive 5-0 win against Southampton on Tuesday.
The return of the attacking duo is a huge boost for Town ahead of, what they hope will be, their final three matches of the campaign.
“They (Hirst and Burns) both trained this week with the group, so as it stands if they come through the morning, both will travel to Hull so that’s a good positive for us,” said the Blues boss.
“(It’s) a big boost. They’re two important players for us, players who have had a big part to play and with their own unique qualities as well that are different within the group.
“Hopefully they can play a good part in the next week.”
McKenna provided an update on Hirst, stating, “Let’s see. He’s been out for quite a long period of time but he’s a fit boy, he’s trained for a good period of time now and we’re not going to save anything back in the last week. Like all the other players, he’s raring to have a big part to play in the last week, so it’s good to have him back again.”
He emphasized the importance of contributions from across the squad, especially with three games scheduled in a short span of time. McKenna highlighted the need for different players to step up at different moments, underscoring the strength of their squad.
Furthermore, McKenna confirmed that goalkeeper Cieran Slicker, who had been sidelined due to an ankle sprain, has returned to first-team training, adding to the positive news for Ipswich Town ahead of their upcoming fixtures.