Will Martin Samuelsen's midweek exploits for Hull City be enough to earn him a start at MK Dons?

Grant McCann would not be drawn on whether Martin Samuelsen’s midweek exploits were enough to play him into to contention for a starting berth when Hull City visit MK Dons this weekend.
By Rhys Howell
Published 19th Nov 2020, 17:07 BST
Updated 19th Nov 2020, 17:10 BST
Martin Samuelsen, centre, is congratulated by his Hull City team-mates after opening the scoring in Tuesday's 3-0 EFL Trophy victory over Grimsby Town. Pictures: Getty ImagesMartin Samuelsen, centre, is congratulated by his Hull City team-mates after opening the scoring in Tuesday's 3-0 EFL Trophy victory over Grimsby Town. Pictures: Getty Images
Martin Samuelsen, centre, is congratulated by his Hull City team-mates after opening the scoring in Tuesday's 3-0 EFL Trophy victory over Grimsby Town. Pictures: Getty Images

The young Norwegian attacker netted twice in the Tigers’ PapaJohns Trophy win over Grimsby Town, with his first of the evening as eye-catching as any goal the club has scored thus far in 2020/21.

Yet, although McCann was full of praise for 23-year-old Samuelsen, City’s head coach gave little away regarding who will get the nod for Saturday’s League One clash.

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“Martin’s had two very good performances and we’re really pleased. He’s had a good week,” McCann said.

Martin Samuelsen goes close with a header against the Mariners.Martin Samuelsen goes close with a header against the Mariners.
Martin Samuelsen goes close with a header against the Mariners.

“It was a good performance against Harrogate and he came on and actually did quite well in the Burton game and had a hand in Hakeeb [Adelakun’s] goal.

“Then, he’s has another good performance against Grimsby, scoring his first goals for the club, but it wasn’t just Martin who had a good performance the other night.

“Obviously he’ll grab the headlines because of his goals, but I thought that every one of them played really, really well - and that’s the competition we have got at this present time.

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“In Martin’s position, we’ve got people scoring goals. Martin is scoring, Hakeeb is scoring, [Josh] Magennis scored before he left [for international duty] and scored for Northern Ireland. Mallik [Wilks] is scoring, Keano [Lewis-Potter] was scoring before he was isolating, so it’s nice to see that the forwards are in good form.”

It is not just in the forward positions where McCann finds himself spoilt for choice ahead of second-placed City’s trip to mid-table Milton Keynes.

He added: "We seem to have a fully fit squad, which is pleasing.

"The boys have all come in today [for training] bright and breezy and we're all looking forward to another good game on Saturday."

Related topics:Grant McCannMK DonsTigers

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