'Natural finisher' could make the difference for Ipswich

Former Ipswich Town midfielder Alan Judge believes signing a "natural finisher" and getting George Hirst fit again could decide where they finish this season.

The Tractor Boys are currently third in the Championship, two points behind Middlesbrough and eight adrift of Coventry City, before Saturday's home game against Blackburn Rovers.

Hirst, however, has not played since 20 December because of injury.

"When you watch George live, you see what he does for the team. He does a lot of work, he's like a battering ram, he plays well with a number 10 who scores goals," Judge told BBC Radio Suffolk.

"If they could get someone in who is that natural poacher, so if George plays 60 minutes on he comes, or they could switch it, I think that's what Ipswich would possibly look at.

"If you could get that natural finisher in, with the amount of chances that Ipswich create, that's the difference between finishing in the top two and the play-offs."

Town, meanwhile, have been linked with a possible move for Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney, who will be out of contract this summer.

"If a player like Tom becomes available, you have to go and get him," added Judge.

"The quality he has on the ball - if you play him alongside [Jack] Taylor, [Azor] Matusiwa, Tom doesn't have to do much running.

"I was lucky to play with Tom at Blackburn and his vision, his technique, his touch is top notch."