Kieran Dowell admits he’s unsure what the future holds at Hull City after a stop-start opening to his MKM Stadium career following his move from Rangers in January.
The experienced playmaker caught the eye in the second half of the Tigers’ 2-1 victory over Rizespor in Maribor last Tuesday night, creating the opener for Oli McBurnie, before firing in the second moments later after being played in by Abdus Omur.
Dowell was restricted to just one start in the second half of last season, making his other 14 appearances off the bench with a solitary goal in the defeat to Bristol City.
Whether or not the 28-year-old has a role to play in the Premier League remains to be seen, but he’s determined to try and grasp his opportunity during pre-season, as the squad await a flurry of arrivals.
The former Nottingham Forest, Everton and Rangers man has revealed Sergej Jakirovic suggested the summer would provide the playmaker with a fresh chance to get his career going at the MKM Stadium.
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“Who knows,” the Liverpudlian told Hull Live. “I didn’t start too many games last season. I had a few sub appearances, probably struggled to get a little bit of rhythm, but I spoke with the manager towards the end of last season, and he was saying it’d be like a fresh start for me in the summer, obviously, try and impress in pre-season.
“I feel like I’ve come back fit, I feel good, I feel fit and healthy, so who knows. We’ll see who comes in, and we’ll see what happens. I’ve played plenty of Premier League games, and I feel like I’ve performed well in plenty of Premier League games, so if needed, I’m definitely wanting to contribute, yeah.”
Dowell’s influence in the victory over Rizespor can only help his cause, especially at a time when there is significant rebuilding going on at the MKM Stadium.
“Yeah, of course (scoring goals and making assists). Playing as that sort of advanced midfielder you want to be scoring goals and getting assists, so it’s a good start to pre-season.”
City’s players returned to training on Wednesday, as they prepare for Saturday’s trip over to Germany, where they’ll take on Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, and they’ll arrive there unbeaten in their three games so far.
“The messages for the lads that the coaches are giving each other in the dressing room are about winning the game first and foremost. You don’t want to be fiddling about with the ball at the back. If it needs to go up, go up, it’s still a game that you want to win and not take any risks and on.
“Like in the first 10 minutes, for example, try and play in their half, stuff like that. We’re definitely trying to win games, and building those habits going into the season because that’s what you can’t quite get in training, the risk-reward type stuff and the bit of jeopardy on the games. It’s still there in pre-season, you want to be winning games.”
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