Hull keeper Jakupovic delighted at Niasse red card U-turn

Hull City goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic is delighted that teammate Oumar Niasse will be available for Saturday’s match against Southampton after successfully appealing against a suspension.

Niasse was in danger of being banned for three of the Tigers’ four remaining Premier League games after receiving a straight red card for his challenge on Watford’s M’Baye Niang last weekend, in a match Hull went on to win 2-0.

But the Senegal international is now eligible to feature against the Saints after the FA upheld his appeal on Tuesday.

Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images

The 27-year-old striker has brought Hull an increased goal threat since signing on loan from Everton in January, finding the net four times in the Premier League to aid the Tigers’ fight against relegation.

“During the game when the referee showed the red card I was far, far away,” Jakupovic said.

“Everybody saw the news that the sending-off had been rescinded earlier in the week and we were all very happy – both for the team and for Oumar himself.

“The red card meant that he could have missed for three very important games, but to now have him available is a massive plus for the manager and the team.

“We need every single player available to help us to try and achieve our goal of staying up.”