Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna speaks on ‘difficult’ window to find George Hirst replacement and responds to Sam Gallagher rumours

Kieran McKenna admitted in his pre-match press conference that there are only so many strikers available within Ipswich Town’s budget, as the Tractor Boys’ search for a front-man continues.

After George Hirst suffered a hamstring injury against Leicester City on Boxing Day and Dane Scarlett was recalled by Tottenham Hotspur, it became clear the Blues would have to use the January transfer window to sign another striker.

But McKenna explained how tough it is to sign a goalscorer at this time of year.

“As I’ve said, about 80 per cent of the clubs in the Championship are trying to add a striker or a forward to their ranks, there’s only so many available and there’s only so many available within our budget,” said the Town boss.

“Most of those are currently involved with a team who don’t want to lose them. The club are working hard to making additions in that area but there’s nothing that we’ve been successful with yet and we’ll see how the next couple of weeks in the window continue.

“The goal is always to add players who can fit your current play style and contribute in ways that the current team has been successful. Again, that limits your selection a little bit.

“The reality is, there aren’t many forwards on the market. Even if you weren’t selective, it’s a very difficult window to sign a striker who would be anywhere near the level that you would want in this window.”

He stated Hirst’s operation ‘went to plan’ and the 24-year-old will now undergo a long period of rehabilitation.

One striker who Town are reportedly interested in is Sam Gallagher at Blackburn Rovers. McKenna responded to these rumours and said: “It’s clear we’re never going to speculate on any player, never mind a player who is contracted with another club.”

McKenna was keen to stress the importance of getting behind the team that faces Sunderland tomorrow at Portman Road (5.30pm).

“What I will say and emphasise is, our support had to be with the group that’s here. This group scored over 100 goals in the league last year not based off one player. George has got six or seven in the league this year, one of them a penalty, and he’s been a fantastic player for us but the team isn’t built on one player,” said McKenna.

“It’s up to us as a group internally to find solutions, find the best ways to attack and find the best ways to defend, and make sure the group go onto the pitch well prepared and ready to fight to give everything to their club.

“I think it’s up to everyone around the team, the supporters and everyone around the club to get behind the players who are in the shirt.

“What we’d love to see tomorrow is Portman Road at its best, in full support of the players on the pitch and the players on the pitch giving absolutely everything they can to represent the club well and to do so in our brilliant style.

“I think if we can get that, I’ll be happy with what comes from the game.”