Hull boss surprised hownew striker has settled in

ALLAHYAR SAYYADMANESH will be in Hull City’s squad for the first time when they host Preston North End tomorrow.

The Iranian forward joined on loan from Fenerbahce on deadline day, the only one of Hull’s four January signings not to have played English football before. But coach Shota Arveladze is pleased at how quickly the 20-year-old, who watched Saturday’s win over Swansea City from the stands waiting for the formalities to be completed, has settled in and will have no hesitation about including him in the weekend’s Championship game.

“I’m surprised at the way he adapted so quickly,” admitted the Georgian.

“His English is good enough and from the first (training) session he seemed very active with the boys but I have to mention this group is (made up of ) great lads, they’ve welcome him well. Nobody makes them (the signings) feel different or new.

“Yesterday was probably his fourth session and I saw him after training standing talking to the boys. That’s great to see. This is what we expect from our side to quickly help these (new) boys adapt.

“I’ll definitely take him (in Saturday’s squad) if all goes well. I hope to use him in the next game.”

Signing Sayyadmanesh, Regan Slater, Marcus Forss and Liam Walsh has boosted Arveladze’s options, as has positive news from the treatment room.

“I think we’ve been short because we had unfortunate injuries and I believe with these transfers we get a little bit stronger and have the option to change and give a chance to others to play,” said the coach.

“The winter window is always difficult but I’m happy with a few more numbers although I just remember what (Jose) Mourinho said that the only happy manager is (Mauricio) Pochettino!

“But I’m happy I’m here and that I can work with these boys, I can prepare them for the games.

“Even in the winter window two players (Callum Elder and Lewie Coyle) came back from injury and for me it was like a transfer because they have been out for five, six, seven weeks and they are new players for me, plus the four we added. We look better in terms of numbers.

“Only three players are out. We had 24 players in the field (in training).

“Alfie (Jones) is back and Elder and Coyle trained with us but we have to see if both are involved. (Randell) Williams and (Mallik) Wilks are out.”