New Look Defence

Last updated : 18 February 2006 By Andy Beill
Photo © Andy Beill, Hull City Online
Alton Thelwell - may make long-awaited start (Photo © Hull City Online)
Centre back Sam Collins is out with ligament damage suffered at Millwall. Peter Taylor is also without Ryan France, who serves a one-match suspension.

There will be some familiarity to the back four, with Damien Delaney and Leon Cort being reunited in the centre of defence. They were Taylor's preferred pairing all last season, and played there together earlier this season before Delaney was called on to play in midfield and recently at left back.

But with Andy Dawson and Danny Coles still missing due to injuries, Taylor must call upon two full backs from the reserves. Mark Lynch has fallen out of favour, starting just once since the new year, but looks like being given a chance tomorrow. On the other flank could be Alton Thelwell, who made his first league appearance in over a year at Millwall on Tuesday, coming on at half time for the injured Collins and playing at left back.

Both prefer playing on the right hand side of defence though, as do Taylor's only other options, youngster Scott Wiseman and transfer listed Robbie Stockdale, so it will mean playing a right-footed player at left back. Alan Rogers, on loan from Nottingham Forest, comes into the squad for the first time, but isn't thought to be fit enough to play 90 minutes.

Photo © Corred
Mark Lynch - returns to the fold (Photo © Corred)
Taylor will decide whether or not to include Mark Noble for the first time. He's been left out of both of City's games since joining on loan from West Ham.

There is also competition for a starting place up front. Jon Parkin looks like a definite starter, but who joins him is up to Taylor. Craig Fagan was preferred at Millwall, but Darryl Duffy and Billy Paynter are other options.

Expected line-up (4-4-2): Boaz Myhill; Mark Lynch, Leon Cort, Damien Delaney, Alton Thelwell; Kevin Ellison, Keith Andrews, John Welsh, Stuart Elliott; Darryl Duffy, Jon Parkin.
Subs from: Matt Duke, Alan Rogers, Robbie Stockdale, Scott Wiseman, Mark Noble, Stuart Green, Craig Fagan, Billy Paynter.