Hull FC team news with Jake Connor named in squad after recovering from knee injury

Hull FC have named Jake Connor in their 21-man-squad for Friday's Super League match against Castleford Tigers. The fullback went down with a knee injury at Wakefield Trinity seven weeks ago, but despite an original 10-12 week recovery period, Connor is fit enough to return for the big clash.

Brett Hodsgon has made six changes to his squad, with Ligi Sao, Kane Evans, Jordan Johnstone, Connor Wynne, Harvey Barron and Connor all returning to the side. Chris Satae, Josh Griffin, Aidan Burrell, Jamie Shaul, Charlie Severs and Lewis Martin drop out.

Satae has an ankle injury suffered against Wigan last weekend, with Griffin also pulling up with a quad issue. Severs and Martin are both playing for Yorkshire against Lancashire on Sunday, alongside fellow Black and White youngsters Manoa Wacokecoke, Sully Medforth, Nick Staveley, Denive Bamforth and Kye Armstrong.

Manu Ma'u, who was expected to return this week, has also had a setback to his hamstring having pulled up in training.

Hull FC fullback Jamie Shaul could be set for loan move with at least two clubs interested

In total, Hull are without Adam Swift (leg), Carlos Tuimavave (Achilles), Josh Griffin (quad), Chris Satae (ankle), Andre Savelio (ACL), Manu Ma'u (hamstring), Joe Cator (Achilles), Ben McNamara (back/hamstring), Cameron Scott (adductor), Marcus Walker (loan), Charlie Severs (Yorkshire) and Lewis Martin (Yorkshire).

The Black and Whites currently sit in sixth spot with Castleford two points ahead in fifth position. It's a huge game in context of the season, with Salford and Hull KR just two points behind in seventh and eighth place.

Hull Squad: 1. Jake Connor, 5. Darnell McIntosh, 7. Luke Gale, 8. Ligi Sao, 9. Danny Houghton, 13. Jordan Lane, 14. Joe Lovodua,