Belaid poised for Hull City debut

28 January 2011 10:30
Hull will include latest signing Tijani Belaid in their squad for the home clash with leaders QPR. The 23-year-old Tunisia international is hoping to make his Tigers debut after the club received international clearance this week.

Manager Nigel Pearson may add goalkeeper Matt Duke, ruled out last week through illness, and veteran midfielder-turned-defender Nolberto Solano, who missed the 1-1 draw at Reading due to a thigh problem, to his squad.

Left-back Andy Dawson faces a late fitness test as he struggles to overcome a groin injury. Striker Caleb folan (knee) is back in training and goalkeeper Vito Mannone (groin), on loan from Arsenal, is six weeks away from a return, while winger Richard Garcia hopes to be back in action some time in February following knee surgery.

Hull, who have lost only one of their last 12 league games, have closed to within five points of the play-offs.

Source: PA