Hull FC youth coach Michael Shenton praises club unity and attitude after Reserves derby win

Hull FC Reserves head coach Michael Shenton has praised the unity and attitude of his players during a tough injury period for the club. A first team injury-crisis has impacted the full squad, with some of Hull's Reserves players set to double up this weekend, playing for the Academy side against Wigan on Saturday afternoon.

It's a big ask, but Shenton, who enjoyed an outstanding 400-game professional career, says it's those challenges that the young guns, who were missing the likes of Charlie Severs, Nick Staveley and Matty Laidlaw, have to embrace.

And after beating Hull KR 24-10 in the Reserves Derby whilst being eight from eight in the Academy league, it's easy to say Hull's teenage stars are doing exactly that. However, it's about more than just results, and it's development what matters, even if the current fixture list, in the eyes of Shenton, is far from ideal.

The three area's Hull FC's Reserves got right that will delight Brett Hodgson

"It's been a challenging time for the club with injuries having to double up this weekend as well," Shenton told Hull Live. "For me, it's a real test of character throughout the whole club. I just want the boys to relish those challenges. That's what rugby league is all about, the challenges that are put in front of you and how you face and deal with those challenges.

"We've had a few injuries in our team so we've had to do some adjusting and I thought the boys did that really well. They're very opened minded and they just get on with the job in hand.

"I think the boys have bought in to what I'm about and what I'm trying to put in. Credit to them. We are seeing some big improvements and I'm really pleased with how they're progressing."

The clinical nature of Hull FC proved the