Hull City will have to navigate their upcoming Easter matches against Stoke City and Leeds United without key defender Jacob Greaves, who will miss out due to a suspension caused by accumulating too many yellow cards. Despite this setback, the Tigers are in a strong position just three points behind Norwich City in the race for the Championship play-offs, with a game in-hand.
Fortunately, Hull City have a capable replacement in Sean McLoughlin, who will be eager to prove himself in Greaves’ absence. The Irishman, who has patiently waited for his chance, is a dependable option for manager Liam Rosenior. His left-footedness makes it easy for him to slot into the backline alongside Alfie Jones.
Having recently gained playing time in a friendly against the Curacao national team during a training camp in Turkey, McLoughlin is ready and prepared to step up. With over 100 appearances for Hull City since 2019, including 24 this season, he is a seasoned player and a valuable asset for the team.
By extending his contract until 2026, it is clear that Hull City see McLoughlin as a long-term part of their plans. This gives the club confidence that they have a capable replacement should Greaves be sold for a substantial fee in the future.
Hull City will need to secure a win against Stoke City to stay in the running for a top-six finish, following a series of draws. Their match against league leaders Leeds United will be a tough challenge, but having already secured wins against strong opponents this season, the Tigers will approach the game with confidence. An earlier draw with Leeds, where they arguably should have won, shows that Hull City have the ability to compete with the best teams in the league.
