Hobbs is Pearson’s choice as he bolsters Hull’s impressive defence

The Tigers yesterday signed the 22-year-old Leicester City defender on loan until the end of the season as manager Nigel Pearson continues to fine-tune his squad ahead of the run-in.

On the possibility of any more signings being made before the deadline, director of football operations Adam Pearson said: “There is a possibility something else may happen, even though we are very pleased with the work we have done since the start of the year.”

Hull spent more than £3m in transfer fees during the January window as Aaron Mclean, Matty Fryatt, James Chester and Cameron Stewart secured permanent moves to East Yorkshire.

Hobbs, who joined Liverpool from Exeter City at the age of just 16, has signed under the emergency loan rule that will allow him to stay at the KC Stadium for a maximum of 93 days.

It means he will be available for both legs of the play-off semi-finals should Hull qualify but not the May 30 final at Wembley.

He joins a defence boasting an impressive record, the eight goals Hull have conceded at home in 16 games being the second lowest in the Championship.

Adam Pearson said: “Jack is someone Nigel knows well (from his two-year stint as Leicester manager) and he feels will be a very useful addition to the squad.

“The defence has been playing very well but it is important that we don’t leave ourselves short if we suffer injuries.

“When someone becomes available who the manager rates and knows so well then it would be a risk not to take him.

“Jack fits into the mould of players we prefer to sign in that he is young, hungry and a strong character.”

Hobbs made 30 appearances for the Foxes this season before being surprisingly made available for loan by Sven Goran Eriksson.

The Swede explained: “I think this will make him stronger. It will be good for Jack. He is young, he is our player and he needs to be playing football.

“He is a good talent and you don’t know how good he could be in the next couple of seasons. It is good for him.

“Of course he has been unlucky but, if you play at centre-half, you can’t afford many mistakes. The only way to learn is to go and play and play.

“He will learn because he has many good sides of his way of playing. I had seen him on TV and on DVDs but I didn’t know much about him when I joined the club. I knew he had a great season last year.

“He is strong and his technique is not bad at all. It is good for us and him. I hope he will get plenty of games at Hull, more games than he would have had here.”

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