Hirst brings us new dimension - Scotland coach Carver

Nations League play-off: Greece v Scotland

Venue: Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus Date: Thursday, 20 March Time: 19:45 GMT

Coverage: Watch on BBC Scotland & iPlayer; listen on BBC Radio Scotland & Sounds; live text coverage & in-play clips on the BBC Sport website & app

Assistant coach John Carver has said Ipswich Town George Hirst brings Scotland a "different dimension" to their forward line.

Hirst has been called up for the Nations League play-off with Greece after receiving clearance to represent his grandfather's homeland.

The 26-year-old joins Che Adams, Tommy Conway, Kevin Nisbet and James Wilson as the forwards in Steve Clarke's squad.

Hirst has scored four times for Ipswich Town this season, including their second in Saturday's 4-2 home defeat against Nottingham Forest.

"We've been monitoring him for months. We lost Lyndon Dykes to injury and he's a little bit similar to Lyndon," said Carver.

"What a goal he scored at the weekend and what a way to leave your club football and come to international football.

"He's an intelligent lad, he's bright, he loves football and he's fitted in straight away. He brings us a different dimension.

"I had a good chat with him on Sunday night and we spoke about a number of things but most importantly he's a good player and he certainly brings something to the squad."

Hirst represented England at youth level and Clarke said it was "a delay in the paperwork" that he was not included in the initial squad named on Tuesday.

Carver said the striker had no hesitation in pledging allegiance to the dark blue shirt.

"When we asked him he was delighted to come and join us and that's what we want - players who want to come and play for Scotland," the coach added.

"I know his dad played for England but he wants to play for Scotland and that's the type of player we need.

"Steve did most of the talking [when they met up] and we just had to get one or two things behind the scenes sorted. I think he's a great addition."

Carver said Hirst had settled quickly into the group because "it's quite easy because of the guys we've got - they're a great bunch of lads".

Scotland are bidding to stay in League A of the Nations League, with the first leg away to Greece on Thursday (19:45 GMT) before the return at Hampden next Sunday (17:00). Both games are live on the BBC.

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