George Hirst joins Rotherham United rivals Portsmouth

The young Leicester City striker failed to hit the net in 32 outings as the Millers were relegated from the Championship last term.

He has now joined Portsmouth, one of Rotherham's third-tier rivals, on a year-long loan deal.

Pompey are due at AESSEAL New York Stadium on October 16 and the return match at Fratton Park is scheduled for April 2.

Hirst, aged 22, told he new club's website: “The manager (Danny Cowley) came up to Sheffield to speak with me and I really liked what I heard from him.

“I had a little bit of a decision to make regarding other clubs, but then I looked back at the chat we had and what he’s trying to do. It was a bit of a no-brainer.

"I ultimately want to score goals – that’s why I’ve come here. My strengths are running in behind and at people with the ball.

“The more opportunities I get to do that this season, then I really do think I can have an impact on this team.

“If I can come in the building and help Pompey get to the Championship, it will have been successful for both parties."

He will team up with another Rotherham old boy at Fratton Park, centre-half Clark Robertson.

Cowley said: “George is still a really young boy, but it feels as though he’s been around forever.

“He didn’t have it all his own way at Rotherham last season. He didn’t play as much as he would have liked and it probably wasn’t the right fit for either party.

“Sometimes that happens in football, but we like to sign players who have got a point to prove and we see a real hunger and desire to succeed in George.

“When you don’t have everything your own way it can really motivate you. We certainly believe in his abilities."