Sayyadmanesh set for Tigers debut as excitement grows after takeover
SETTLING IN WELL: New Hull City forward Allahyar Sayyadmanesh. Picture credit: Hull City
New Hull City striker Allahyar Sayyadmanesh will make his Tigers debut against Preston North End on Saturday.
City welcome The Lilywhites to the MKM Stadium looking to maintain their momentum with a fourth consecutive win in the Sky Bet Championship
New Tigers manager Shota Arveladze goes into only his second game in charge with a handful of new players after a flurry of deadline day activity in the January transfer window - with Sayyadmanesh catching the eye following his loan move from Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
Asked in a pre-match press conference today if he would be involved on Saturday, Arveladze said: “I definitely take him, yes, hope in tomorrow’s session everything will go well and I hope to use him in the next games, definitely.”
Sayyadmanesh trained with the squad today and was settling in well, his manager said.
“I’m surprised at the way he adapts so soon,” Arveladze said. “His English is good enough, and from the first session I see him very active and good with the boys. But I have to definitely mention this group is a great [group of] lads. They welcome him well.”
The 20-year-old Iran international, who is on loan until the end of the season, is his nation’s youngest goalscorer.
Also adding to the competition among the forwards - where Tom Eaves has been in startling form - is Marcus Forss, a loan-signing from Brentford. The 22-year-old Finland international has a fine record with 30 goals in 94 career appearances.
Of the other new signings, Arveladze said midfielder Liam Walsh - who played against City last Saturday for Swansea - would help with setting the tempo.
City’s impressive recent form has seen them climb to 18th place in the table with 32 points from 28 matches. Preston are in 13th with 38 points from 29 games.
A big attendance is expected with widespread excitement among supporters following the recent takeover of the club by Acun Ilıcalı.