Will Leicester striker George Hirst get first team chance in 2022/23?

Leicester City’s pre-season is nearly upon us as the players prepare for a return to their intense training regime. The pre-season gives Brendan Rodgers a chance to look over both his first team squad and the development players as he plans for the Foxes’ next campaign.

Last season, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall made an impression during the summer friendlies, earning him an eventual chance in the first team during 2021/22, and boy did he take it; his impressive performances earning him numerous awards from his teammates and supporters. This year, another exciting youth prospect is aiming to make an impression: George Hirst.

Hirst’s name should be familiar amongst Leicester supporters – not only because he is the son of former England international Paul Hirst – as he made his senior debut with the Foxes at the end of the 2019/20 season, coming off the bench against both Spurs and Manchester United. Not seen as ready for the Premier League yet, Hirst and the club decided that loans would be the best way for him to develop.

Having scored 13 goals in 21 appearances for Leicester in the U23s, Hirst commanded interest from several clubs, eventually making the temporary move to Championship side Rotherham for the 20/21 season. Playing in one of the most competitive and gruelling leagues in world football, Hirst struggled in the Championship, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. He made 32 appearances in all competitions but failed to register a single goal involvement.