'I thought he'd play a role in the Premier League'

[Getty Images] Stoke City are being heavily linked with Ipswich Town striker George Hirst and Tractor Boys fans feel it could be a coup for the Championship side. The Scotland international scored 11 goals in 42 games during Ipswich's promotion run last season, though he only netted three times in 26 appearances in their previous Premier League campaign after issues with his knee. "No offence to Stoke but I was expecting him to rock up at one of the parachute teams, if I'm honest," Richard Woodward of the Blue Monday podcast told BBC Radio Stoke. "I did think he has a role to play for Ipswich maybe but things have shifted a bit with Kieran McKenna moving on. "I think the key thing for him is confidence. He struggled for consistent minutes but when he got in the team, when he was fit - and he has had a few injuries - I can't praise him enough." Listen to the full analysis below or on BBC Sounds here . And remember, this is your Stoke City page so bookmark it, or if you're on the BBC Sport app or signed in on a browser, hit 'Follow' to add it to your MySport and get more news, analysis, stats and fan views - and also select the bell icon in the app to sign up for club notifications. Explore more Stoke City content on BBC Sounds [BBC] Latest Stoke City news, analysis and fan views