Hull City goalkeeper Carl Rushworth is hoping to keep his place in the starting lineup after finally recovering from an ankle injury.
The 23-year-old joined the Tigers last summer on a season-long loan from Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion. He is highly rated at the Amex Stadium, with the Seagulls keen to maintain Rushworth’s developments after successful temporary spells at Worthing, Walsall, Lincoln City and Swansea City.
It was hoped that the move to Hull would help the former England under-21 international continue his rich vein of form, but disaster struck in October when he picked up an injury in training. This ruled him out of the first half of the campaign, giving Ivor Pandur the opportunity to stake his claim as first choice shot stopper.
Rushworth did return to the fold earlier this month and finally made his debut in the FA Cup third round defeat against Doncaster Rovers. However, head coach Ruben Selles opted to keep the loanee between the sticks for the 1-0 away win against Millwall on Saturday.
Rushworth Targeting Run Of Games
Rushworth will be hoping to retain his place when the Tigers host Queens Park Rangers at the MKM Stadium tonight. Speaking to Hull Live, the goalkeeper revealed his ambitions:
“I’m always having conversations (with Brighton). We’ve made it clear that I just need to play, especially missing so much of the season as I have done with the games remaining; I just need to play and get as much game time under my belt. Getting the clean sheets and the wins is always going to be a bonus for that, so I just made it clear that I just need to play.
“I said that I’m happy to play. That’s the main thing I just need to play, and if I get the opportunity here, then that’s perfect for me. I’m happy at the moment, and I’m really focused on trying to get out of this situation that we’re in because, with the quality that we’ve got in the changing room, we shouldn’t be in this situation.
“I think that the win (at Millwall) is going to help us and give us confidence for Tuesday and then Friday. It’s quite an exciting situation for me personally, and I’m looking forward to the challenges.”
Writer’s View
Rushworth’s arrival at the MKM Stadium was met with much excitement from supporters. He is a goalkeeper which has risen through the divisions with ease, and it was almost a surprise to see him move back to the Championship this season. Having him fit again will be a huge boost to Hull’s survival prospects.
