George Hirst couldn't contain his excitement when Steve Clarke confirmed his place in Scotland's World Cup squad, even if it cost him a decent round of golf. The Ipswich Town striker was mid-swing in Portugal when the news broke, celebrating so enthusiastically that he missed a crucial putt. For Hirst, this represents a childhood dream realized after making his international debut just last year.

Hirst's inclusion reflects his strong season with Ipswich, where he netted 11 goals as the club secured second place in the Championship and promotion back to the Premier League. He started 25 league matches and came off the bench 17 times, proving his worth as a reliable forward. Despite fearing he might miss the cut, honest conversations with the manager during March's camp helped clarify what he needed to do.

Clarke named Hirst alongside Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes, Lawrence Shankland and Ross Stewart as Scotland's five forwards for the tournament. Hirst believes each striker brings different qualities - pace, height, and versatility - creating healthy competition within the squad. He's been preparing with hot pod yoga sessions to acclimatize for expected warm conditions.

The 27-year-old is ready to contribute whether called upon for one minute or 90, insisting he'll support whichever teammate the manager selects. Scotland returns to the World Cup after a 28-year absence, and Hirst's journey from fearing exclusion to earning selection captures the emotion of the occasion.