HULL City new boy Conor Henderson is in line for a surprise debut tonight after being included in the squad to face Huddersfield Town in the Capital One Cup.
Former Arsenal midfielder Henderson, 22, has penned a deal with the Tigers after catching the eye during two run-outs in the reserves, and his reward is a rapid promotion to Steve Bruce's first-team ranks for this evening's tie at the KC Stadium.
Henderson is likely to be named among the substitutes, along with fit-again Egypt international Gedo, as City go in search of a place in the fourth round of the League Cup for the first time since 1977-78.
Abdoulaye Faye, Alex Bruce, Joe Dudgeon, David Meyler, Yannick Sagbo, Nick Proschwitz and Matty Fryatt are all expected to start in a much-changed side, but Bruce admits Henderson will also be in his thoughts.
"Conor has signed a deal because we've liked what we've seen in him," Bruce told the Mail.
"We think he's someone that's going to be a late starter. He's had two serious knee injuries and already missed the best part of two years in his career.
"He's got a lovely left foot and likes to get the ball down and play, just as you'd expect from someone who's come through the system at Arsenal. It will be a good experience for him."
Henderson was once regarded as a hot property at Arsenal, winning the FA Youth Cup in 2007-08 alongside England international Jack Wilshire, but has since seen his progress badly hindered by injury. Upon his departure from the Emirates this summer he left with just one first-team appearance in the Gunners' FA Cup win over Leyton Orient in March 2011.
An impression was made in City's reserve team wins over Doncaster and Rotherham but a fresh start in East Yorkshire could begin in earnest this evening against Championship guests Huddersfield.
Bruce has made no secret of his intention to implement wholesale changes from the side that won 3-2 at Newcastle United at Saturday and those will include Gedo returning for a proposed late cameo.
"Gedo's not fit enough for 90 minutes and not fit enough for the Premier League, but it would be nice to ease him back in with 20 minutes or so if we can," said Bruce.
"It's an opportunity for a lot of players to make sure they're in my thoughts. We're looking at missing James Chester for a while so it's a chance for the defenders to make a case, and it's a good thing for people like George Boyd and David Meyler who need games.
"The Premier League is our priority but I'll send out a team that's good enough to win the game. There's a lot of confidence building in the squad and let's make sure we keep that going with a win."
A crowd in the region of 7,000 is expected at the KC Stadium this evening, with cash turnstiles priced at £15 for adults, £10 for seniors and £5 for under-16s.
Discounts of up to £3 are available if bought from the ticket office before 6pm.
