PHELAN HAILS HERO KEEPER JAKUPOVIC

HULL manager Mike Phelan saluted shoot-out hero Eldin Jakupovic after his side clinched a place in the EFL Cup semi-finals for the first time in the club’s history by beating Newcastle 3-1 on penalties.

Swiss goalkeeper Jakupovic, who has played second fiddle to David Marshall i n the Premier League this season, saved penalties from Jonjo Shelvey andYoan Gouffran, while Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle’s spot-kick hit the crossbar.

Hull, who levelled through Robert Snodgrass within a minute of Mo D i a m e ’s o p e n e r for Newcastle i n t he first period of extra time, were clinical with their penalties as Snodgrass, skipper Michael Dawson and Tom Huddlestone were all on target.

“I’m pleased for Eldin, I’m pleased for all of them,” said Phelan. “Eldin’s been in the cup competitions all the way through.

“He’s performed well and going i nto t he penalty shoot-out he was probably the right goalkeeper to have there because his record is pretty good in those situations.

“I brought i n another good keeper and we’ve now got two good goalies. Allan McGregor’s on his way to recovery, so we may end up with three terrific goalkeepers and we may have to use them.

“It’s important they stay focused. Eldin’s done that. He’s taken his opportunity, he’s probably been the hero.”