HULL CITY: Zaki out to prove critics wrong

AMR Zaki says he is determined to prove his critics wrong after joining Hull City until the end of the season.

The 26-year-old striker yesterday agreed a four-month loan from Egyptian club Zamalek and while red tape has delayed the move, completion of the deal is expected by Friday.

It marks a return to the Premier League eight months after seeing a loan move to Wigan turn sour amid reports of ill-discipline.

But the Egypt international is keen to put his controversies in the past and fire the Tigers away from relegation danger.

"There have been many things written about me in the past. I want to prove that I am a good player but also a good man," said Zaki.

"Once the directors of Zamalek told me that I had permission to speak to Hull City I could not wait to get back to England.

"I met with the manager Mr Brown and the president of the club Mr Pearson. They are good people and made me feel wanted."

With City in Tenerife for a warm-weather training camp, Zaki has flown back to his homeland before joining up with his team-mates on their return on Friday.

Short on match fitness after a hamstring injury, Zaki will not be considered for a debut against Manchester United this weekend.

But joining the City fold on their return from a warm-weather training camp in Tenerife late this week, the former Wigan forward will target a debut against Wolves in 11 days' time.

"I will be working hard on my fitness and I hope to be available for the manager to select me as soon as possible," he added.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world and I can't wait to be involved on a match day again.

"I talked with Mr Brown and I explained that I want to work hard in the Premier League, score goals and help Hull City."

City confirmed the deal for Zaki yesterday after staging talks and a medical over the weekend.

The Egypt striker was not considered for the African Cup of Nations currently being played in Angola but having fully recovered from a hamstring injury, Zaki will push for a start in City's crucial clash with Wolves at the KC Stadium.

CITY'S reserves will get back in action tonight against Burnley at Church Road, kick-off 7pm.