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“Can Liam Delap and George Hirst both start together?” – McKenna’s jaw-dropping response on the possibility will leave you speechless
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has stated that it’s “not impossible” for him to start strike partners Liam Delap and George Hirst together.
Delap, the powerful England U21 international, has primarily played as a lone forward this season, netting 10 goals in 27 starts and four substitute appearances.
Hirst, meanwhile, has scored four goals in three starts and 17 substitute outings, with his latest being a superb header in last weekend’s 4-2 home loss to Nottingham Forest.
The two have only shared the pitch together twice — for 10 minutes at the end of the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United and for one minute in the 1-1 draw with Southampton.
When asked about the possibility of starting both players, McKenna replied, “It’s not impossible. They’ve been on the pitch together a few times. They finished the game at Man United together.
“I know Liam has played in wider positions and different roles at his previous club Hull, but his physical and game development is heading in a different direction now.
“They both have the profile of focal point number nines, leading the line. Could you start both of them in the Premier League? Not many teams do, and there’s a good reason for that — it could leave you exposed in certain areas.
“But is it impossible? No. Can we use it later in games? Absolutely.”
Ipswich Town are currently in the middle of a 17-day break due to the Premier League’s pause for international and FA Cup football. Sitting nine points from safety with nine games remaining, McKenna’s side will return to action at Bournemouth on Wednesday, April 2.
