Holden on team fitness, the 'feel-good factor' and Sunderland

Hull City assistant head coach Dean Holden has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Carabao Cup third-round tie against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 19:45 BST). Here are the key lines from his news conference: Matt Crooks and Tim Iroegbunam will train on Monday and are likely to be in the travelling squad. New signing Sorba Thomas is eligible to play against Sunderland despite playing for former club Stoke City in the previous round. On whether he will play, Holden said: "It's too early to say." They have not yet had the results from Paddy McNair's foot scan, but they are hopeful they will on Monday. Holden said new players, and those coming back from injury, are given the opportunity of "much-needed minutes" in the cup, which is beneficial at this stage of the season. Holden said "there is a feel-good factor" around the club following the impressive start to the Premier League season, but warned: "If you take your eye off the ball too early, then you can become unstuck." On the Carabao Cup: "It's another game we want to try to win because we want to go as far as we can in this competition." He said Sunderland will "be a big test" and they "have no idea" what team Regis le Bris will select because of the Black Cats' Premier League and European commitments. More on Sunderland: "I love the way that they play. They have a lot of athleticism along the frontline and some real good options." Got a question about Hull City? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts [BBC]