Hull City keen to box clever with Mo Belloumi after injury problems

The Algerian was one of three Hull players last season to rupture their anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL), a serious injury which can cause problems long after it has healed.

Belloumi was the first of the trio to heal, but like many who suffer a long-term lay-off, then picked up another injury as his body readjusted to the strains of Championship football.

A hamstring injury in late September kept him out for two months, and another at Christmas sidelined him until mid-March.

Belloumi netted in his first start since Boxing Day on Good Friday, and made his second start at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

Although the Tigers were beaten 2-1, his performance suggested he can have a big part to play in the four games remaining, then hopefully the end-of-season play-offs. But coach Jakirovic knows he will have to be careful not to ask too much of the 23-year-old.

"We are trying to manage his minutes," he said. "This is the main task because we had a very bad experience from the past.

"He played a very good game on Saturday. The plan was 70 minutes (which he played).

"We will see how he trains all week."

Hull love to play with wingers and along with left-sider Liam Millar – who also damaged his ACL, along with Elliot Matazo – he is their other natural in that role.

"We know what Mo Belloumi is capable of," said Jakirovic. "He's very dangerous. With the ball, one-v-one and counter-attacks as well. This is good for us."

Hull host Birmingham City on Saturday sixth in the Championship, four points clear of seventh-placed Wrexham.