Hull City stars Jack Hobbs and Tom Cairney set to play in reserves match against Gateshead
JACK Hobbs and Tom Cairney will aim to press their claims for a first-team comeback when they line up for Hull City's reserves tonight.
The visit of Gateshead to North Ferriby United this evening (7pm kick-off) will take on a heightened significance as both Hobbs and Cairney attempt to sharpen fitness levels ahead of their anticipated returns from injury in the coming weeks.
-
Comeback trail: Hull City's Jack Hobbs.
Hobbs enjoyed his first game in over seven months last week when playing 29 minutes of City's behind-closed-doors friendly at Peterborough United and he is expected to step up his comeback with a start tonight.
Cairney, who has been absent since damaging knee ligaments at Doncaster in August, can also expect his first run-out for almost three months.
£10 off your First Session of Counselling or CBT (Hull)
A New Beginning Counselling Coaching & Hypnotherapy
View detailsIf you are feeling unhappy, confused, anxious or angry about your life, then a few sessions of counselling or CBT will help you gain clarity & direction. Confidential, Informal, Friendly.
Terms: New Clients Only - Please Mandi on (01482) 850550 or 07717210969 to book.
Contact: 01482 423349
Valid until: Wednesday, July 31 2013
Although neither player will be considered for the weekend clash with Burnley, the return of Hobbs and Cairney will hand boss Steve Bruce a timely boost ahead of a hectic December.
Between them, the pair made 72 appearances for the Tigers last season and their imminent availability will add to the increasing competition for places.
Hobbs will have James Chester, Abdoulaye Faye, Alex Bruce and Paul McShane standing in his way of a place back in the side, while Cairney will attempt to win prominence in a midfield that includes Stephen Quinn, Robert Koren, Corry Evans, David Meyler, Paul McKenna and Seyi Olofinjana.
City's reserve side will be without one of its mainstays tonight after Conor Townsend was allowed to join League Two side Chesterfield.
The 19-year-old left-back joins fellow youth-team graduate Liam Cooper on loan at the Proact Stadium as he attempts to earn his first taste of Football League action after spending last season in the Conference with Grimsby Town.
Comments
by costatiger
Wednesday, November 21 2012, 10:21PM
“It certainly worked for Middlesboro who having set an all time low for the Riverside of 13,000 were rewarded with a gate of 28,000 after dropping their prices and that was for a friday night game on live tv!”
by wezzytiger
Wednesday, November 21 2012, 11:14AM
“Having hobbs and Cairney back will be like two new signings for the tigers. Undoubtably Hobbs and Chester were the best centre half pairing in the championship last season, so could be a none brainer once Hobbs is fully fit. However who do you leave out of a defence that at times has looked solid as a rock and then other times have looked paper thin. For me i would drop Faye and bring Hobbs into the centre of a back three of Chester and Mcshane. Cairney on the other hand is gonna have to work his cahoonas off to get a place on the bench. However in what could be a pivotal month, we need every player available in one of the busiest and most decisive periods of the season.
On another note at last i am going to get a game in at the KC this season. Next tuesday could conceivably be a top of the table clash. My tickets arrived this morning 26 quid for me and my lad is a lovely gesture from the owners to swell the crowd. Lets hops for many more games this season where the prices take a similar plummet to attract people through the gates at fortress KC.”
by brizzer
Wednesday, November 21 2012, 10:22AM
“Hobbs' return is good news, especially given the Daily Telegraph's report yesterday that Aston Villa are considering making an offer for Chester! Why no newsof this anywhere else?”
by valencian
Wednesday, November 21 2012, 8:07AM
“Good luck to them both. It will be good to have them back in contention for places. Given the form of those currently in the team or on the fringes they will not find it easy to force their way back into the team. McShane and Evans who have both done well in recent weeks but lost their places last week and will not walk back into the team with Hobbs and Cairney behind these two in the pecking order it is a healthy position to be in.”