McBurnie could 'skip some games' - Jakirovic

Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic said that it is more "no than yes" as to whether striker Oli McBurnie will be available for Saturday's Championship game against Charlton Athletic.

The 29-year-old has been suffering from a calf injury and missed the victory over Leicester City in the week.

"If you ask Oli, he's ready, he will play but we will see. It's still two days but I have a bad experience from when players are not 100%," Jakirovic told BBC Radio Humberside.

"If he needs to skip some games, it's better to skip."

Captain Lewie Coyle could make his return having spent the match against the Foxes on the bench nursing an ankle issue, but he is unlikely to start, while defender Ryan Giles is "good" after coming off the pitch with a hip problem on Tuesday.

Jakirovic said he feels English football offers less protection from referees compared to officiating in Europe, and that it contributes to the injury issues sustained across the league.

"The referees, they need to protect the players during challenges because this is the reason we have a lot of injuries," he said.

"It's not rugby. I know in England, they like rugby, but for me, it's football-rugby what I saw.

"When I see my strikers in challenge with the centre-backs, they are suffering. It's very difficult to play because they kick you all the time."

Listen to the full interview with Jakirovic and more Hull City content on BBC Sounds.