Sheffield Wednesday: Highly-rated George Hirst pens maiden Owls deal
The youngster, aged 17, has agreed a two-year deal, tying him down to the Hillsborough outfit until 2018.
Wednesday’s academy staff have high hopes for George, who has impressively stepped up from Under-16 to U18 level this season. George has also featured prominently for the development squad.
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His rapid development culminated in him receiving an England Under-17 call-up earlier this year. He notched a brace in the Three Lions 2-2 draw with Germany in the Algarve tournament.
Hirst said: “Wednesday are my boyhood club and it is a dream to sign on professional terms. I am absolutely delighted to sign and there is nowhere else I would rather be.
“I came here five or six years ago and from then, I’ve never really looked back and here I am today signing my first contract.
“Obviously the hard work really begins now. I’ve worked hard to get this opportunity and now it’s all about kicking on, becoming a better player and who knows maybe the first team in the near future hopefully.
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“This has been a season to remember, that is for certain. Getting the England call-up was an amazing experience and the goals topped it off for me really. Now I have got a taste for it, I want even more.
“I want to keep playing well for Wednesday, keep scoring the goals and hopefully more England call-ups will come.”
Retaining George’s services is a big coup for the Owls as he had been linked with a move to a number of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, West Ham, Newcastle, Southampton.
On Hirst senior, George added: “He’s given me advice on what to expect and what not to expect. But it’s really good having someone like him as my father to help me along and give me tips here and there.”