Hull City boss Grant McCann urges his players to find 'motivation from within'

Like many bosses in the second tier, McCann holds reservations at fitting in a nine-game schedule in the space of 32 days with the added factor of playing in front of empty grounds being another consideration which is not ideal.

Hull head into the restart on the back of some desperate league statistics. They have taken just two points from a possible 33 in a winless 11-match Championship sequence and have not won since New Year's Day at league level.

Hull vice-chairman Ehab Allam has been strident in his views that the season should have been curtailed and not continued, but the reality for Hull is that they have nine matches to negotiate to preserve their Championship status and avoid a disastrous relegation.

On playing behind closed doors, McCann, whose side are just two points above third-from-bottom Charlton who would leapfrog them with victory next weekend, said: "What’s football without fans? But we’ve got to do it without them. We’ve just got to rally round and get the job done.

"We trained at the KCOM on Saturday, a behind closed doors game, an XI v XI, and then we played there again on Tuesday (against Huddersfield).

"We’ll probably look to have another training session there next week. It is a bit strange.

"I don’t think my motivation as a player would’ve been any different, but there will be people who thrive on big crowds and a big atmosphere. It’ll have to come from within now, to show that determination and attitude.

"Some might find it easier. There’s no pressure from the stands, so they can get on the ball and express themselves.

"It’ll be a mixture, but hopefully we have enough in there to make the most of it all."

Offering his thoughts on the Tigers' schedule, the Northern Irishman added: "I don’t think anyone is happy with the schedule if they’re honest.

"The fact that nine games are squeezed into four or five weeks makes it very difficult but it is what it is.

"We have to adhere to the programme and we just have to keep as many players fit as we can.

"It’s going to be difficult. There will be muscle injuries because of the schedule at every club. Not just ours. We’ve got to make sure the recoveries are as good as they can be and the boys are ready, but the squad will be massive for us coming through this."