Championship news: Woodgate identifies Hull threat plus Leeds boss praises key man

The Tigers sit twelfth in the Championship ahead of Sunday’s meeting at the Riverside and have experienced a mixed start to the campaign.

When asked about Grant McCann’s side and their recent form, Woodgate identified playmakers Jarrod Bowen and Kamil Grosicki as potential threats.

“They are a very good team on the counter attack,” said Woodgate. “They have some really good players with Bowen and Grosicki who I’ve liked for a number of years, Polish international, really, really good player.

“They have only been beaten twice on the road this season, won games against Fulham away, beat Nottingham Forest, beat Luton, drew with Brentford.

“They are a good side especially on the road so we need to be on our guard because they can counter attack at any opportunity.”

Hernandez can play in the Premier League says Leeds boss

Elsewhere in the Championship, Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has heaped more praise on playmaker Pablo Hernandez.

The 34-year-old signed a new contract at Elland Road earlier this week which will run until the summer of 2022.

"The extension of the contract is deserved,” said Bielsa ahead of this weekend’s trip to Luton. “He has a big impact around the team, and everyone values him.

“If Pablo had to play in the Premier League tomorrow he could do it with no problem."

McKinlay joins Stoke

Finally, Stoke have appointed former Watford boss Billy McKinlay as the club’s new assistant manager.

The 50-year-old was Michael O'Neill's No 2 with Northern Ireland between 2012 to 2014 before taking charge of Watford, a spell which lasted just eight days.

McKinlay has also coached at Fulham and West Ham as well as in Norway and Spain.

O'Neill, who will take charge of Stoke’s game at home to Wigan this weekend, said: "I've seen Billy work at both club and international level and I know that he's an excellent coach who I believe is a great fit for us.”