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Hull Daily Mail:
Hull City boss Peter Taylor today stressed he had no immediate plans to talk to his Brighton counterpart Steve Coppell about the long-term future of goalkeeper Michel Kuipers.
There is mounting speculation the Tigers could aim to turn Kuipers' month-long loan stay into a permanent deal.
Taylor promoted the big Dutchman to first choice ahead of Paul Musselwhite against Doncaster on Monday night and the ex-Marine responded with a clean sheet on his debut.
Now, Kuipers looks set to keep his place ... at least until Alan Fettis is fit to return.
The Northern Ireland international will be sidelined for another couple of weeks with knee trouble.
Taylor has confirmed he would be interested in signing Kuipers - subject to Brighton's agreement - but hinted he's content to wait before making any long-term decision.
The City boss said: "I'm happy with the situation at the moment. Michel is here for another couple of weeks and there's no need to change that.
"He's happy with the way things are and I know he's pleased to be playing first team football again.
"There was absolutely no agreement struck with Brighton that he had to play first team while he's with us. It's a decision I made. I thought he did well against Doncaster although he wasn't really tested. Having worked with him at Brighton, I know what a good keeper and good pro' he is.
"We'll have to see if anything develops in the long-term but it's not a decision I have to make now. I've certainly no plans to pick up the phone and talk to Brighton."
Fettis has missed the last four matches after damaging his knee in a clash with Steve Basham in the defeat at Oxford. Taylor immediately gave Musselwhite a chance and he retained his place for the Boston game, even though Kuipers had arrived from Brighton.
However, Taylor decided to make a change after watching a video of Boston's goal. It's not the first time Musselwhite has been dropped in his City career. He previously handed over to Matt Glennon and then Fettis.
Although disappointed with Monday's selection, Musselwhite is the type of player who will fight for his place. He's likely to feature in the reserves who will entertain Sheffield United at Boothferry Park tonight (7pm).
However, the real battle will develop when Fettis returns to full fitness with the home game against Kidderminster on September 27 a possible target for a comeback.
If Taylor does decide to extend Kuipers' stay, it remains to be seen how long he can keep three experienced players happy.
There is also the fact of whether Brighton would be prepared to let Kuipers leave. Sources suggest Coppell is likely to ask for a fee as the player is under contract until the summer.
Hull City boss Peter Taylor today stressed he had no immediate plans to talk to his Brighton counterpart Steve Coppell about the long-term future of goalkeeper Michel Kuipers.
There is mounting speculation the Tigers could aim to turn Kuipers' month-long loan stay into a permanent deal.
Taylor promoted the big Dutchman to first choice ahead of Paul Musselwhite against Doncaster on Monday night and the ex-Marine responded with a clean sheet on his debut.
Now, Kuipers looks set to keep his place ... at least until Alan Fettis is fit to return.
The Northern Ireland international will be sidelined for another couple of weeks with knee trouble.
Taylor has confirmed he would be interested in signing Kuipers - subject to Brighton's agreement - but hinted he's content to wait before making any long-term decision.
The City boss said: "I'm happy with the situation at the moment. Michel is here for another couple of weeks and there's no need to change that.
"He's happy with the way things are and I know he's pleased to be playing first team football again.
"There was absolutely no agreement struck with Brighton that he had to play first team while he's with us. It's a decision I made. I thought he did well against Doncaster although he wasn't really tested. Having worked with him at Brighton, I know what a good keeper and good pro' he is.
"We'll have to see if anything develops in the long-term but it's not a decision I have to make now. I've certainly no plans to pick up the phone and talk to Brighton."
Fettis has missed the last four matches after damaging his knee in a clash with Steve Basham in the defeat at Oxford. Taylor immediately gave Musselwhite a chance and he retained his place for the Boston game, even though Kuipers had arrived from Brighton.
However, Taylor decided to make a change after watching a video of Boston's goal. It's not the first time Musselwhite has been dropped in his City career. He previously handed over to Matt Glennon and then Fettis.
Although disappointed with Monday's selection, Musselwhite is the type of player who will fight for his place. He's likely to feature in the reserves who will entertain Sheffield United at Boothferry Park tonight (7pm).
However, the real battle will develop when Fettis returns to full fitness with the home game against Kidderminster on September 27 a possible target for a comeback.
If Taylor does decide to extend Kuipers' stay, it remains to be seen how long he can keep three experienced players happy.
There is also the fact of whether Brighton would be prepared to let Kuipers leave. Sources suggest Coppell is likely to ask for a fee as the player is under contract until the summer.