Ipswich Town striker George Hirst is relishing his battle with team-mate Liam Delap, having made his first start of the season in Saturday’s 4-3 defeat to Brentford.

On his full Premier League debut, the 25-year-old provided an assist for Sammie Szmodics before doubling the Blues’ lead in West London with a deft chip over the top of goalkeeper Mark Flekken.

Delap, who’s been Kieran McKenna’s preferred forward option so far this season, was brought off the bench late on. He scored a late equaliser before the Bees bagged their winner, and then hit the post with one of the last kicks of the game.

Despite losing the game, the performance showed that both Hirst and Delap have what it takes to start in the top flight. Of course, in McKenna’s system, only one player will do so from the start, which Hirst believes is pushing the forwards to raise their levels week in, week out.

Liam Delap has been in great form so far this seasonLiam Delap has been in great form so far this season (Image: Steve Waller)

“It’s something that I’ve been used to ever since I joined the club,” he said after the match at the GTech Community Stadium.

“It’s not something that’ll ever go away, there’s always going to be competition for places – whether that’s me or other boys in the team.

“I’m thriving in it. Liam has been in a rich vein of form so far this season and that’s helped me raise my levels.

“I wouldn’t have been in the team today if the gaffer didn’t think I deserved it. I feel like, if I can keep working hard and keep doing what I do best, it’ll be a good battle between me and Liam to see who gets that starting shirt.

“We also respect that one of us will start and one of us won’t. Whoever doesn’t will need to be ready to come on – like you saw today, Liam came on and got his goal.

“I’m delighted for him, he’s delighted for me to get my goal. We’ll both keep working hard to push each other.”