Hull City v Derby County: Young Tigers given cup opportunities

Hull City manager Nigel Adkins says there is 'a good chance' George Long is going to face Derby County in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

MANAGER Nigel Adkins will again turn to youth tonight as Hull City host Derby County in the first of two meetings with Frank Lampard's men inside five days.

The Tigers edged past Sheffield United on penalties in the last round as young trio Adam Curry, Robbie McKenzie and Brandon Fleming all justified their selection on a night when Adkins made nine changes.

“There will be changes across the board just as we did against Sheffield United,” said Adkins, whose side again welcome Derby to the KCOM Stadium on Saturday in the Championship.

“I kept ‘Marshy’ (David Marshall) in goal (at Bramall Lane), but there is a good chance George Long is going to go and play.

“I am very mindful that there are players who need games and to push for opportunities to play again in the league. We have got a small group of players and they all know they are going to be playing.

“Their attitudes have been spot on throughout pre-season and in training, and I am sure they will keep developing.”

One enforced change is Evandro dropping out of the side following his dismissal at Stoke City in the weekend defeat. The Brazilian will serve a one-game ban after collecting two yellow cards.

Jackson Irvine, the scorer of two goals in the Championship win at Rotherham United a week ago, is also expected to be missing for Hull with the thigh injury that kept the Australian out against the Potters.

Last six games: Hull City LDDLWL Derby County WLWLWW.

Referee: O Langford (West Midlands).

Last time: Hull City 0 Derby County 0; December 26, 2017; Championship.