Football: Skippy's back

FOOTBALLERS are not renowned for originality, so it will come as no surprise to learn that Hull City's Australian striker Danny Allsopp is known as 'Skippy' by his team-mates.

This term of endearment is somewhat ironic, as Allsopp has hardly been bounding around with a spring in his step lately.

A groin injury suffered in the 3-1 defeat at Huddersfield on November 15 kept him on the sidelines for four games - of which the Tigers won just one.

"Danny is a very important player for us and you always miss quality players," acknowledged City boss Peter Taylor.

But as Taylor prepares his troops for the eagerly-awaited clash at home to Doncaster, he does so safe in the knowledge his prize possession is well on the comeback trail after a substitute appearance against Mansfield.

It is no coincidence that the Tigers' form dipped during the 25- year-old's spell out of action - and now Taylor is banking on the goals of Allsopp and fellow striker Ben Burgess to steer the Division Three outfit to Division Two.

However, there is no chance Allsopp will have it all his own way against table-topping Donny at the KC Stadium on Sunday.

Since the two sides ground out a goalless draw at Belle Vue in September, Rovers have lost just three times in 18 League games.

And in winger Michael McIndoe, they possess arguably the most exciting talent in the Division. The goalscoring midfielder has been a revelation since his move from Yeovil in the summer and is arousing interest from a number of high-profile clubs.

But such is the expectation among Hull supporters, anything other than three points against Dave Penney's men will be considered a disappointment.

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