James Hill has been putting in some good showings at centre-back since Illia Zabarnyi was suspended. _(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)_
ANDONI Iraola praised James Hill after he has put in some strong showings at centre back following Illia Zabarnyi’s suspension, despite only recently returning from injury.
Hill missed four league games through a hamstring injury after going off against Chelsea but came straight back into the starting XI at home against Wolves.
He played half an hour at right back before moving to centre back following Zabarnyi’s red card.
The 23-year-old was replaced after 60 minutes – but has since played 85 minutes vs Brighton and the full 90 against Spurs, as well as all 120 minutes against Wolves in the cup.
Zabarnyi returns from his suspension this weekend, and, asked by the Daily Echo about Hill’s contributions lately, Iraola said: “I think Hilly has played a lot whenever he has been available in the last months.
“He had to stop because of the injury against Chelsea, he was already starting games. He has come back and probably as soon as he has been available, he has gone straight away to the team.
“So he has played quite a lot recently and I think he has made a big step from where he was in other seasons.
“He has shown his level, his improvement and someone also who trains very well and I'm happy that he has shown the level.”