IT'S a massive relief for Hull City to hear the positive news surrounding Mohamed Diame's injury worries, writes Peter Swan.
To learn that he has a chance of facing Manchester United at Old Trafford will be a welcome boost to all at the Tigers and I imagine, if fit, he'll come straight back into the side.
Diame's return is perfect timing for Steve Bruce, with Gaston Ramirez banned for the next three matches. Now the Southampton loanee will have to wait once more for a chance as the Senegalese man will slot straight back in.
The 27-year-old provides City's midfield with a bite, and can surely give the Tigers some driving force going forward against a shaky United back-line.
With Jake Livermore and Tom Huddlestone gaining confidence from their showing against Tottenham last Sunday, the midfield is all coming together now – despite the results not going City's way on the pitch.
Diame reminds me much of Manchester City's Yaya Toure. He can look to be a lackadaisical figure on the field, but once in possession his enthusiasm shines through.
Opposition players are scared of Diame's direct style of play, as displayed during his blistering start in City colours following his move from West Ham United.
Bruce knew how to get the best from Diame, and providing a recurrence of the injury doesn't flare up, expect the French-born star to start the game.
After Abel Hernandez was dropped for the Spurs match, Bruce now faces another difficult choice as to who plays up front.
Nikica Jelavic is a no-brainer, but Hatem Ben Arfa impressed me on Sunday afternoon. Yes, he had a glorious chance to put City 2-0 ahead and bombed it, but you feel as though a goal is on its way.
With Hernandez, we have actually seen goals but you cannot argue with Bruce for trying something different after three games without scoring.
Every player from the Tottenham game deserves another chance to impress against United, and I'm sure they'll rise to the occasion after falling to a defeat they never really deserved at the KC Stadium last time out.
