Hull City could welcome on-loan winger Gavin Whyte back to the team for this weekend’s League One clash with Doncaster Rovers.
The Tigers returned to winning ways on Wednesday night with a 5-0 thumping of Wigan Athletic, and will look to continue their momentum against promotion rivals Doncaster.
The entire front three of Mallik Wilks, Josh Magennis and Keane Lewis-Potter got on the scoresheet in Wigan, Wilks notching a hat-trick, and their attacking arsenal looks like being boosted even further for the short trip to the Keepmoat Stadium.
READ: Doncaster Rovers favourite to return for Hull City clash while duo to be assessed
Whyte, who joined on loan from Cardiff City for the remainder of the season last month, has missed the last six matches for Hull with an ankle injury.
However, the Northern Irishman could be fit to take part in Saturday’s Yorkshire derby, to the delight of compatriot Grant McCann.
“Gavin has been back on the pitch,” said the Tigers’ head coach in his pre-match press conference. “We’re hoping he’ll be available this weekend.
“It’s a huge boost for us because his pace and awareness is fantastic. He’s been working hard and it will be great if we can have him fit for the game on Saturday.”
There was also positive news from McCann on all three of the other Hull players currently on the sidelines.
Striker Tom Eaves has been out with a calf problem since early January while midfielder Callum Jones has not featured since November due to a hamstring injury, but both players could be close to returns.
“Tom Eaves might be back next weekend for the AFC Wimbledon game,” said McCann.
“Callum Jones is back in full training now. He’s been getting sharper throughout the week and we’re hoping to get him involved in a couple of under-23s games as he builds his fitness back up.”
The final man currently in the Tigers treatment room is captain Richie Smallwood, who was expected to be ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
However, McCann said that the 30-year-old did not require surgery, and as a result there is still a chance that he could feature again before the campaign comes to an end.
“Richie Smallwood doesn’t need an operation on his injury, which is great news,” said the Hull chief. “Knowing him and his work ethic, we may yet see Richie again this season.”
