Mohamed Belloumi and Joe Gelhardt at the MKM Stadium(Image: Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images))
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Sergej Jakirovic admits the importance of Joe Gelhardt's first goal in the Premier League on Sunday cannot be underestimated, as he looks to make his mark in the top flight.
Gelhardt expertly slotted in the opener from Sorba Thomas' inch-perfect pass to give Hull City the lead against Everton, before the Toffees fired back to lead 2-1.
The forward's replacement, Mo Belloumi, was on hand to power in the equaliser to earn a valuable 2-2 draw at the MKM Stadium, and maintain their unbeaten start in front of their own supporters.
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For Gelhardt, it was his first goal in the Premier League since March 2022, on what was his first league start of the season, having only previously played seven minutes in the defeat at Newcastle United last month, owing to a lengthy period of recovery from an ankle injury he had when he arrived from Leeds United.
Given Belloumi wasn't fit enough to start, Gelhardt, who bagged 15 goals on loan in the Championship last term, made his mark in style, and it was something that pleased his manager.
"It's also an opportunity for other players like Gerhardt, who scored a very nice goal," Jakirovic told Hull Live when talking about mixing up his team after a busy international period.
"Yes (it was important to get off the mark), we know what Joffo means to us because he scored 15 goals (last season), but unfortunately, he came to us with an injury, so he also needs time. Last Friday, he scored against Sheffield United, which is good, but this is different, and he had 45 to 50 minutes of energy."
Belloumi replaced Gelhardt just after the hour, and within 10 minutes, had fired in City's equaliser to notch his third Premier League goal. After making his international debut for Algeria and getting himself on the scoresheet, it was agreed he would start from the bench, though Jakirovic was a little surprised his star man requested it.
"I think he showed already in these six rounds that he's a very dangerous player," the Croatian said of Belloumi. "He can create problems for everyone, no matter who is on the opposite side.
"I think that he is enjoying playing his football. This is his mentality, and he's always capable of doing something, so he can make a difference. We are very happy because he's with us, like I said, we should be very careful with him because he had some problems in the past.
"We had a small conversation on Friday, and when players approach me, especially Belloumi, because Belloumi always wants to play, and then he said to me, 'Maybe it's better to start from the bench', so everything is clear. Normally, if he goes off after 70 minutes, he's always moaning, but this is Mo Belloumi, and I'm very happy because he's with us."
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