Hull City have the squad to tackle winter campaign

Hull striker Mallik Wilks celebrates after scoring. Pictures: Simon Hulme

The sight of his Hull City side resplendent in second spot with a highly-creditable 24 points from 11 league matches is enriching enough. His own role in achieving that should provide further nourishment.

Defences win titles and strikers win matches. Managers earn their money by successfully changing the narrative of games.

McCann did just that in the Tigers’ previous league victory at Bristol Rovers on October 27.

Hakeeb Adelakun is congratulated after scoring Hull's second goal.

With his side trailing 1-0, his triple substitution reaped a huge dividend just before the hour mark with replacements Keane Lewis-Potter, Regan Slater and Tom Eaves coming on and finding the net in a 3-1 triumph.

On Saturday, the interval arrival of Hakeeb Adelakun and Eaves turned the tide for Hull, who needed to do more against 10-man Burton and duly did.

As McCann correctly opined, it was not a day for panic with his half-time instructions to his side to quicken up the pace a notch or two and find gaps on the flanks to stretch the Brewers – down to 10 men on 18 minutes after Sam Hughes was dismissed for two bookings – being spot on.

His decision to take off wingers Thomas Mayer and James Scott, who did not make the most of being handed league starts, was also a smart move and the right one. Both could not complain and did not do enough.

By contrast, Adelakun, who struck late on to seal it and Eaves, despite missing one glorious chance when sent clear, put their hand up and made an impact.

On a day when City were without the duo of Keane Lewis-Potter and Josh Magennis, McCann’s side still had offensive options and ultimately found a way.

Their squad remains one of the best in the division and at this part of the campaign when winter is nigh and the season can become a slog, such a thing can come into its own.