Hull City boss offers honest verdict on Sunderland postponement as ex-defender enjoys dream debut

The Tigers were set to visit the Stadium of Light on December 26, but the Black Cats have seen their next three games postponed after a COVID-19 outbreak the Academy of Light.

And having wished the Sunderland players affected well, McCann admits he can see the positives and negatives of the game being delayed.

When asked how he felt, the Hull boss told the Yorkshire Post: “It is a bit of a mixture, really. We would love to play the game, of course and keep us in a good position in the table.

“But being off gives us an opportunity to get a bit of rest into the players, but also a bit of work.

“The first thing to say is that I hope everyone at Sunderland is safe and well and comes through this time.,

“We will be probably look at Christmas Day and Boxing Day as a breather and then have them in for the Lincoln game.”

Meanwhile, former Sunderland defender Greg Halford - who earlier this season offered to play for free to relaunch his career – enjoyed a dream debut at new club Southend United.

Having been unveiled just an hour before kick-off against Grimsby Town, Halford netted the third in a 3-1 win.

And the result was given an additional twist after it was revealed Halford actually trained with Grimsby earlier this year.

Elsewhere, Sunderland’s League One clash with Ipswich Town will be televised.

Sky Sports will show the game on Tuesday, January 26 (7:45pm kick-off).

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