Preview: Hull v Salford (R25)

Coach Peter Sharp is urging Hull FC fans to lower their expectations of centre Kirk Yeaman when he makes his eagerly-awaited comeback against Salford City Reds at the KC Stadium.

The 22-year-old Yeaman was cut down in his prime in mid-season when he ruptured ankle ligaments, shortly after scoring his 21st engage Super League try in his side?s shock win at St Helens.

The injury robbed Yeaman of his Great Britain debut at the same Knowsley Road venue in July but he is back to press his claims for a place on the trip to Australia and New Zealand for the end-of-season Tri-Nations Series.

His return - two weeks earlier than scheduled - is also a timely boost as Hull look to clinch second spot in the table and launch a concerted effort for a first-ever appearance in the Grand Final.

However Sharp is keen to allow the gifted centre to play his way back in gradually.

"Nobody expects him to storm back and pick up the pieces where he left off," said Sharp.

"It is a great boost for us to have Kirk back at such a crucial stage of the season but there is no pressure on him.

"It is not going to be easy for him to just slot back after missing eight games. That?s why we?re not putting any pressure on him.

"I just want him to be part of the team and that is all we?ll ask of him. He just has to play his role in the team and do his job, which I am sure he will do, and we will be happy.

"What I will say is that he looks a treat. He has worked hard, trained hard and looks in great shape but you can?t beat playing the game."

Yeaman, one of 12 local players in the Hull squad, has missed the last eight matches but he remains well in contention to finish top of the engage Super League try-scoring chart.

He is just two tries behind Danny McGuire and, with the Leeds stand-off currently sidelined with shin splints, has the opportunity to make up for lost time.

However, he is less concerned with individual targets than helping take Hull nearer their dream of Old Trafford.

"The lads have done tremendously well," he said.

"I just want to get back and help them retain second and have a real shot at the play-offs.

"It seems like an age, it has been so frustrating. At first I was really low but then I decided I had to be positive and I just focused on my rehab and getting back playing again.

"A big plus was knowing I would play again this season because to have missed the rest of the year would have been horrendous."

Hull FC 20-man squad: Blacklock, Briscoe, Carvell, Cooke, Domic, Dowes, Hall, G Horne, R Horne, Higgins, Lee, McMenemy, Radford, Raynor, Swain, Tony, Washbrook, Wheeldon, Whiting, Yeaman.

Salford City Reds 20-man squad: Fitzpatrick, Hodgson, McGuinness, Moule, Dunemann, Robinson, Coley, Alker, Rutgerson, Finnigan, Charles, Highton, Wilshere, Haggerty, Littler, Myler, Brocklehurst, Adamson, Lima, Gower.

Referee: B Thaler

Source: superleague.co.uk