Smiths back in squad after recovery from their injuries
HULL City have been handed a major boost ahead of Saturday’s trip to Reading as Grant Mccann’s men look to make it five wins in a row for the first time since January, 2019.
The Tigers will welcome back both Matt Smith and Tyler Smith to their squad for the trip to Royal Berkshire after the pair recovered from injury.
Striker Smith missed the wins over Cardiff City and Millwall with a hamstring strain, while on loan Manchester City midfielder Smith last made an appearance in the defeat at Stoke City in September and had recently been struggling with a similar problem.
Tyler Smith, who joined the club on a permanent deal in the summer transfer window from Sheffield United has yet to find the net in his 11 appearances so far, while Welshman Smith has struggled to make an impact at Championship level, and found his fitness questioned by Mccann after returning from Wales duty in October.
The return of the two youngsters provides Mccann with a timely selection boost ahead of a busy festive period, though he remains without Lewie Coyle, Josh Emmanuel and Brandon Fleming.
Experienced midfielder Tom Huddlestone, who recently returned from his latest injury setback to come off the bench at Cardiff is continuing to improve his fitness after another positive week on the training ground.
“We’ve had Matt Smith back on the grass and he could be available for the weekend,” Mccann said.
“He felt a tightness in his hamstring against Coventry Under-23s. He felt his hamstring in that game, as did Tyler Smith.
“He (Tyler) has also been out training this week. They both felt a tightness in their hamstrings after that game. It was nothing serious, they only missed one game or so, but they’re both available again for the weekend.
“It’s a bit more positive for us. Brandon Fleming has been out on the grass today as well, training with the group after nine weeks out. It’s great to see him back. Tom Huddlestone has had another good week of training.”