HULL CITY head coach Tim Walter has lauded the quality of latest signing Steven Alzate – but says he does not expect the Colombian midfielder to be in first-team contention for a few weeks.

The 26-year-old, a free agent after leaving Premier League side Brighton, has signed a two-year deal with the option of a further year.

Walter, whose side host Sheffield United on Friday night, said: “He is a good footballer and technically really perfect. But he is not fit at the moment and needs another few weeks.

“But you can see in the first sessions that he is a brilliant player and he will bring us a big impact.

Walter, whose side are still awaiting their first Championship win under his watch, is hopeful that duo Kasey Palmer and Liam Millar will be available from the bench during the Blades game following international commitments with Jamaica and Canada respectively.

Speaking on Wednesday, he added: “Hopefully they will be back tomorrow (Thursday). Maybe they have not the freshness to start, but they have enough intensity and power to come from the bench and bring an impact for us because they are good boys and they try to keep us working and bring us to the success.”

Walter also revealed that several players including wingers Ryan Longman and Dogukan Sinik are progressing in their rehabilitation following injury.

The Tigers chief said: “Ryan is top. He is getting better and better and on the pitch, but without contact. But he’s happy to be here again and looking forward.

“We could do with him, but unfortunately, he’s a few weeks off. But when he’s back, he’s a big impact for us.

“He (Sinik) is also on the pitch, but not with the team. He is working with the ball. But I cannot be sure when he is back with the team (yet). But he will soon have an impact and Andy Smith will also soon be back.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala has signed a contract extension until 2028.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a productive loan spell at Doncaster Rovers last season.

‘Like a new start’ admits Hull City boss Tim Walter after flurry of new arrivals

City host their South Yorkshire neighbours under the lights looking for a first win of the season

Tim Walter admits the international break came at a good time for his players given the chaotic nature of how August played out with 13 new arrivals, suggesting the next phase of the campaign is like a new start for his newly-assembled group.

City went into the fledgling season’s first two-week break on the back of three draws and a defeat at Leeds United in their first four Championship games and now face an unbeaten Sheffield United outfit at the MKM Stadium on Friday night.

The enforced halt to proceedings has afforded new boss Walter more time on the training pitch to hammer home his demanding style of play, and the chance to see the flurry of new signings settle into life at the club, with three of the four deadline day arrivals benefitting from two weeks without a game.

Carl Rushworth, Abu Kamara and Mohamed Belloumi all arrived on deadline day and have been in training for the last few days, while Kasey Palmer, who made his debut off the bench at Elland Road has been away on international duty with Jamaica. Steven Alzate has also arrived during the break and though he could feature against the Blades under the lights on Friday, it won’t be from the start given his lack of fitness.

“Really good,” Walter told Hull Live about his break. “From both sides, from the working attitude and the working style on the pitch, but also from the mental side and that’s good to have.

Gaze sports

Hull City- boss provides updates on key duo ahead of Sheffield United game – and when will Steven Alzate be in Championship action?

HULL CITY head coach Tim Walter has lauded the quality of latest signing Steven Alzate – but says he does not expect the Colombian midfielder to be in first-team contention for a few weeks.

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‘Like a new start’ admits Hull City boss Tim Walter after flurry of new arrivals

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