Jak ready for McGregor scrap
ELDIN JAKUPOVIC has vowed to hang on to the No.1 spot at Hull City.
The unknown Swiss stopper was thrown in at the deep end to face Liverpool on Saturday because of injuries to firstchoice keeper Allan McGregor and back-up Steve Harper.
It was only Jakupovic’s second start in the Premier League and he kept a clean sheet as Hull picked up a point at Anfield. Scotland keeper McGregor is nearing a return, while Harper is a fortnight away from fitness.
But Jakupovic says both will face a fight to win back their place.
“I’ll try my best to stay in the team. I want to give the manager a difficult decision, but ultimately it is up to him,” said Jakupovic. “I just want to show people what I can do. I very much enjoyed Saturday and I’m very happy about the clean sheet – but I’m even more happy with the point.
“I was a little bit nervous with it being at Anfield, I wasn’t very relaxed, but after the first save from Mario Balotelli, all the nerves went away.
“I enjoyed the clean sheet on Saturday, but now my focus is on next weekend.”
Jakupovic joined Hull after leaving Greek club Aris in 2012. He has made only nine appearances for the Tigers and spent three months on loan with Leyton Orient last season.
The 30-year-old added: “I work hard every day with our goalkeeping coach and I know I need to prove myself in every game to be a part of this team.
“I was happy to be able to help the team on Saturday.
“It’s exciting, but I’m already looking ahead and concentrating on the next game.”