Relegated Hull City relishing the challenge, says Grant McCann

The Tigers have begun 2020/21 strongly, winning both of their opening two League One fixtures without conceding a single goal as well as seeing off Leeds United and Sunderland on penalties in the Carabao Cup.

And, although Tuesday night brought a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Premier League West Ham, McCann says that his squad is full of confidence and “looking forward to every game.”

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Northampton Town, he added: “The boys all understand that this league is very, very tough but the confidence is good at the minute and they’re enjoying the pressure of trying to win games, I think we’re all enjoying that.

“I think confidence is a big thing in football and winning the first four games – two on penalties, but we still got through in the cup games – has given the boys a bit of self-belief and they’re looking forward to every game that comes now.

“The scoreline didn’t reflect the game [at West Ham], but the cup’s gone now and our sheer focus is on the league.”

Meanwhile, Thursday saw City finally get a deal for Bristol City attacker Hakeeb Adelakun over the line.

The Tigers had been linked with the 24-year-old former Scunthorpe United man for some time, and McCann admitted that he was delighted to be able to agree a season-long loan move.

“Hakeeb is a player I’ve admired for a few years now. He’s a really, really good signing.” the Northern Irishman said.

“He’s coming here on the back of knowing what it’s like to get promoted, and what it’s like to challenge.

“He was in a successful Scunthorpe team that twice just missed out on promotion. He went to Rotherham last season and they got promoted. He knows what it takes.”

Adelakun, who helped Rotherham escape League One last term, has been open about the fact that he opted to join City because of the opportunity to challenge for promotion once again.

“I thought this was a great opportunity to be involved in this journey we’re on to get back into the Championship,” he said.

“Promotion is not something that comes along often. It was great to be part of it at Rotherham and I’m hoping to get the same this season.”

The Adelakun deal now done, City will turn their attentions to finalising their eighth transfer of the summer window.

McCann revealed that he is confident of bringing in another player in the not-too-distant future, though doesn’t expect to finalise anything before Saturday’s trip to Northampton Town.

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James Mitchinson