The midfielder’s teammate from last season has been singing his praises
Scotland international George Hirst believes whoever signs outbound Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil in the summer will be ‘lucky’ to have him amid Rangers links.
The pair helped Ipswich Town gain promotion to the Premier League last season after Neil was signed on loan from Sunderland in January. At this time, Rangers also expressed an interest, however the 24-year old chose Suffolk over Glasgow. As Neil’s 16-year association with the Wearside club now comes to an end, Gers boss Danny Rohl has rekindled his interest as the midfielder is now a free agent.
The Tractor Boys’ promotion was the second time in two years Neil has went up to the top flight, having captained Sunderland to the same feat the previous year. Since moving to Portman Road, he made 16 appearances in the middle of the park during the second half of the season. Ipswich striker Hirst believes he’s seen enough to realise Neil can play at any level he pleases.
Scotland international waxes lyrical over Rangers-linked star
Hirst was recently called up for Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad where he could lead the line with new Rangers addition Lawrence Shankland. Ahead of the grandest stage of them all this summer, he told the Sun: “Dan is a quality player. I can’t say a bad word about him as a guy either. He came to us in January and fitted in straight away. He’s a quality player and excellent on the ball, as he’s tidy and clean. Off the ball, he does the dirty stuff as well. Whoever gets him will be lucky to have him.”
Elsewhere, Rangers are looking even closer to home to bolster their midfield, with Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt also on the radar - a player who, like Hirst, was born in England but chose to represent Scotland. The Ipswich striker now has eight caps for his country despite his dad, David, choosing to play for England. However, Hirst junior claims his old man will still be cheering him on in North America.
Hirst on Scotland call-up
He continued: “My dad’s dad was from Scotland, so he couldn’t have been more proud when I got picked. It was a nice moment because he didn’t get to go to a World Cup. It’s the first thing in my 27 years I have over him, which is quite nice. I don’t know if you’ll get him (David Hirst) wearing a kilt. No one wants to see that, to be fair. I think he’ll be going to America. If not, he’ll be at home watching in the pub with his mates.
“They’ll have their Scotland flags out and Scotland tops on. He’ll dress up his local as a home from home. As a kid it was my dream to go to the World Cup. For the manager to give me that opportunity, I’ll be forever grateful. I know what I can bring to any team I play in. I’ve not scored at Hampden yet, so that is something I’d really like to change.”
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