Just five of the 18 new signings have started in the Premier League so far this season
Sergej Jakirovic has put his faith in those players who got Hull City to the Premier League(Image: Getty )
Sergej Jakirovic already sees plenty of signs that his new look Hull City squad is starting to knit together, but those new signings might have to be patient.
Just five of the 18 players City signed during the summer transfer window have started in the Premier League so far this season, with Konstantinos Tzolakis, Elliot Stroud and Nobel Mendy starting all three games, while Lucas Gourna-Douath and Hidemasa Morita have one start each on their records.
That’s because those who have stepped up with the Tigers from the Championship have looked more than comfortable in the Premier League so far.
Of course, most of the other new additions have had opportunities off the bench and as the season progresses, they can expect to feature more heavily.
Right now, though, Jakirovic is more than happy to stick with the players he knows best, with the head coach stressing that those new faces they must force their way into the XI.
“This [core] squad, they have an advantage right now,” Jakirovic said. “You can be stopped by the injury or if you playing bad in a row.
“This squad they have advantage for me and the new arrivals, when they show you are better than what we have then you will get your chance. Until then you have to work very hard.”
The head coach added: “I think they played good all these games. Ok, Crooksy had [injury] problems but I think if you say two years ago Slater will play in the Premier League and he will play good, he can compete there, you would not believe it. This is 100%. He’s a 50 grand player, 50 grand!
“No matter which level he is playing, he is good. Reliable is the right word for him and because every training session he is 100 per cent, no matter if he’s first-team or B team, for example.
“You have to support your players, that’s it, and when they get the chance they will show everything on the pitch.”
One of Saturday’s most impressive performers was Ryan Giles, who was rumoured to heading for the exit door towards the end of the transfer window.
City made the decision to keep hold of him, though, and his performance against Villa certainly hammered home why that was the correct call.
“This is the reason why he’s playing. We know what Ryan Giles is capable of and we’re very happy because of him,” Jakirovic added.
“He got his chance last season and he proved everything on the pitch which was not so good until I arrived. He was on loan, he never got the chance to play here.
“So I’m very happy because of him. He also has things to improve but he’s very fast and his delivery is excellent and he is together with Oli. Everything is fully deserved.”