The 23-year-old became Jon Dahl Tomasson’s fifth summer signing when the frontman arrived on a season-long loan from Premier League side Leicester City.

Hirst started his career at Sheffield Wednesday – where his dad David was a legendary figure – making his Owls debut in a League Cup tie against Cambridge United in August 2016 at the age of just 17.

After leaving Hillsborough, the talented teenager spent a season with Belgian side OH Leuven, before being snapped up by Leicester in the summer of 2019.

The powerful striker made two Premier League appearances for the Foxes – against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in July 2020 – prior to a season-long loan spell at Rotherham United, where he featured in both games against Rovers during the 2020-21 Championship campaign.

Hirst enjoyed his most successful season to date last term, during a loan spell at Portsmouth, where he netted 15 goals in all competitions, including 12 League One strikes during the second half of the season.

Rovers’ new recruit has also shone on the international stage. A prolific goalscorer whilst progressing through the England age groups – linking up with Ben Brereton in several squads – Hirst helped fire the Young Lions to glory at the 2017 Toulon Tournament, whilst also being named in the tournament’s Best XI.