Patched-up Harlee D is ready to go full throttle
BIRMINGHAM defender Harlee Dean hit the comeback trail last week – and he will be given another chance to prove his worth.
The centre-half made a return to first-team action after an 11-month absence and marked it in style as the Blues completed a shut-out following a 3-0 win over Bristol City.
A suspension for on-loan Wolves’ defender Dion Sanderson has forced Eustace’s hand ahead of the trip to Humberside – and that once more leaves the door open for Dean.
It has been a rocky road for the defender, 31, who was loaned to Sheffield Wednesday last term but a change of manager from Lee Bowyer to John Eustace has led to the door being re-opened.
An injury niggle in pre-season led to his campaign being delayed but the addition of the ex-brentford man is being welcomed by his manager.
Eustace said: “We were fortunate to get Harlee back in the side, it’s been a major plus for us. He’s got his head down.
“It was a shame he got the setback he did during pre-season. He’s had to be patient. Since I’ve been at the club, though, he’s been a model professional.
“He’s always wanted to be a part of what we were doing. Even when he was out of the side, he attended the team meetings.
“What we need to see from him now is consistency.”
Brum haven’t won in east
Yorkshire since 2009 – indeed they have not picked up even a point from their last seven visits to Hull.
Eustace said anything won this afternoon will have been hard-earned as his club chases back-to-back wins for the second time this season.
He added: “It’s a difficult game, they have a very good record at their place.
“They’ve picked up 12 points and have the league’s leading goalscorer in Oscar Estupinan is in their ranks.
“I know their caretaker boss Andy Dawson. He will have them well set up to face us.
“So, we’ll all have to do our jobs properly. As always, it’s about what we do.”