Portsmouth FC target George Hirst on permanent deal as 'hidden gem' signing approach kicks in
Portsmouth FC manager Danny Cowley says he is keen to land on loan striker George Hirst on a permanent contract.
The 23 year-old impressed during Pompey's mid-week 3 - 2 victory over Oxford United with the forward netting his six goal of the season and playing a lynchpin role in his side's forward play.
Hirst is on loan from Premiership side Leicester City where he has two-and-a-half years left to run on his current deal.
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The note of interest from the Portsmouth manager follows comments from club CEO Andy Cullen last month that the club would be shifting its signing strategy to up-and-coming players and those from the lower leagues.
Danny Cowley told the Portsmouth News: "I thought George was unplayable against Oxford, he was great, his best performance for me.
"You could play into him, you could play up to him, he was able to stretch the pitch, he carried a goal threat and scored a fantastic goal.
"There’s a lot to like in his performance, he was everything you’d want from a number nine.
"We would like to sign him, whether we can or not I don’t know, but these are young players we should be signing permanently.
The Portsmouth manager signalled that he was keen to give more young players like Hirst an opportunity to develop at Fratton Park.
"Your George Hirsts, these are young players we need to try to sign on permanent deals. We would like to sign him, absolutely, he said.
"You give young players opportunities and experiences and they improve and develop and it’s good to see. What George needs to do is pedal to the metal and keep going.
"It has taken a long while to get to this level of form. Only he knows how much work he has put in and now he’s got himself to this confident place.
"I am so pleased for him because he’s worked really hard to get to this place – and is now reaping the rewards."
Portsmouth FC currently sit 10th on League One and have one four out of their last five games alongside drawing with Fleetwood Town.
