Northampton Town v Hull City - Grant McCann backs Mallik Wilks to deliver goals

The versatile 21-year-old has made a fine start to the 2020/21 campaign, netting three times in his last three appearances.

And with the Tigers in need of someone to take over the mantle of Jarrod Bowen, who finished as their top-scorer in each of the past three seasons before joining West Ham United earlier this year, the signs are there to suggest that Wilks could be the heir apparent.

Asked whether he thought the ex-Leeds United trainee could surpass the 20-goal mark this term, McCann replied: “Yeah, I think so. I wouldn’t wanto to put any pressure on him, but I’m sure that Mallik is thinking in his head ‘can I get myself up towards the top end of the goal-scoring charts in this division this year?’

“He knows how to score goals. He got 14 or so in this league for Doncaster in his first real loan spell, and he’s improved since then, so hopefully he can continue adding to his tally.

“There’s a lot more to come from him. He’s got power, pace , he’s aggressive, he loves scoring goals. He’s started the season well, in fact he’s started his Hull City career well, and he’s only going to get better and better. He’s 21 years of age and people seem to forget that.

“He’s a real asset. Whatever position you play him, he’ll cause people in this division problems.”

Wilks’s next opportunity to add to his goals tally comes this afternoon, when the Tigers visit Northampton Town.

Last six games: Northampton LLWWDW; Hull LLLLWW

Referee: A Young (Cambridgeshire).

Last time: Northampton 1 Hull 5, October 4, 2003. League Two.

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James Mitchinson