The rollercoaster ride continues for Hull City manager Mike Phelan this week as he was greeted by the news of youngster Jarrod Bowen signing a two-year contract extension, though main goal threat Abel Hernandez was ruled out for a month after picking up an injury against Southampton.
Bowen extends contract until 2019
Beginning with the good news, 19-year old Bowen was one of Hull's youngsters who took their chance to impress during pre-season when the Tigers' resources were stretched. Bowen has not been able to find a regular spot in the first team but did play a part in the EFL Cup win over Exeter City, before making his Premier League debut in the unfortunate defeat to Watford.
Bowen is now commited until 2019 and admitted “it was a really proud moment to be offered this new contract and I now want to develop as a player and achieve great things at this club." He believes that improvement began during the summer and pinpointed “a fantastic season so far for me personally. I feel I have progressed as a player in the last three or four months and I now want to maintain that and push on."
Much of that development he believes is down to the people around him. “The staff here have shown great faith in me ever since I joined the Academy and I now want to make sure that I repay that."
Hernandez sidelined for up to four weeks
The youngster may be afforded further chances in the first team after Uruguayan striker Abel Hernandez was ruled out for a month with a groin injury. The striker lasted just nine minutes against Southampton before limping off with the problem.
He was closely followed by strike partner Will Keane who will have to wait another week before he receives a full assessment of his knee injury. The 23-year old requires further tests after his knee swelled up following a nasty landing.