Hull boss Phelan admits ‘relief, happiness and concern’ after win

Oli Fisher

Mike Phelan: Concerned with injuries

Mike Phelan was somewhat relieved after his Hull City side finally stopped the rot against Southampton, but reported more bad injury problems.

The Tigers registered their first Premier League win since August as they stopped a six-game losing streak as goals from Robert Snodgrass and Michael Dawson in the space of two second-half minutes overturned Charlie Austin’s early penalty for Saints.

But the shine was taken off the 2-1 victory by injuries suffered by strikers Abel Hernandez and Will Keane, who both hobbled off in the first 25 minutes and look set for a spell on the sidelines.

Nevertheless, Phelan was delighted his side signed off for the international break by ending their drought.

He said: “There’s a bit of everything, relief and happiness and concern at the injuries.

“It’s a time to enjoy the moment over the next few days and we will kick on again next Monday when everyone comes back.

“There was a sense of deja vu when we went a goal down early on, but losing the two players like we did forced our hand. It was an all round good performance.”

Hull’ season so far has been blighted by injuries and the news on Hernandez and Keane is not good.

“They are going to be looked at tomorrow, medically the signs aren’t very good,” Phelan added. “Keane is the worst of the two and they are both going to be out for some time. Keane is knee and Hernandez is groin.

“It’s a case of wait and see, it doesn’t look good. I’ll leave that to the medical team and wait for the phone call tomorrow. They are crazy injuries, there is no reason why, it’s just the wrong place at the wrong time.”