Sergej Jakirovic has no fears throwing 'leader' Lucas Herrington in at deep end

For the first Premier League game this season, Hull City will be without centre-back Mendy, who suffered concussion in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Chelsea, and is therefore not allowed to feature at St James' Park.

But Herrington has come on for the Senegal international in all four Premier League games this season, and started both Hull's League Cup ties.

“When I spoke for the first time with him, I saw immediately how mature he is, no matter that he's born in 2007,” said coach Jakirovic. “It's unbelievable.

“You see he has leadership inside.

“He's speaking all the time on the pitch, no matter who is in front of him – Crooksy (Matt Crooks), (Regan) Slater, Lewie Coyle, (John) Egan. He also tries to lead them, which is perfect and I don't have any fear when he's playing there.

“I'm very comfortable (starting him on Saturday) and we have also Paddy McNair there. He is now healthy, he had some problems with his feet but now everything is good.

“Mendy is a first XI player, he's a very important member of this squad, but we have (other) players and this is also a great chance for him (Herrington).

“He already showed he can compete at this level.”

On Mendy's fitness, Jakirovic explained: “He's in concussion protocol, so seven days off.

“After this he will go to the national team and everything is fine. He's (feeling) good, this is the most important thing.”

Hull's summer recruitment was heavily weighted towards players under the age of 25.

“This is also an investment, a good investment for the future,” said Jakirovic, who admitted the older profile of last season's squad made it easier to accommodate.

“They still have a lot of space to improve, so it's about us developing these players, bringing them to another level and then we can sell them. It's very simple in the football business.

“They are available, it's very important that they don't have problems with injuries.

“I'm here to lead them and to guide them and also support in every way, no matter bad or good times.

“I'm here for them and I hope they will develop well.

“It's about good or bad player, no matter how old are you. I like some mix because always you need people like Oli McBurnie, Lewie Coyle, John Egan, Semi (Ajayi). You need this type of player – Crooks is like that.

“It's much easier for young players to express themselves on the pitch.”

Matt Targett is a doubt for Saturday's game against his former club with a twisted ankle, but the hope is Hidemasa Morita will rejoin training midway through the three-week international break.

If Hull can avoid defeat in the north east, they will be unbeaten when their Premier League programme resumes at home to Everton on October 11.

Having exceeded low expectations in the opening four games means the Tigers should travel to St James' Park with a freedom which could serve them well against a Magpies side comprehensively beaten at Elland Road on Monday.

“It's good for confidence and to show that we can compete at this level because there were a lot of question marks before the season,” said Jakirovic. “But also I know how they work very hard, how they have ambition, hunger to show that they are ready for this level.

“They show they can compete and I think we have to push more.

“It's not that we are satisfied, like the season is over. Our target is as soon as possible to take the points and stay in the league.”

Hull expect to have 13 players away but will host Sheffield United in an October 1 friendly at the MKM Stadium for those not going away.