Which drop stars would benefit City?

WE PICK OUT USEFUL TARGETS FOR TIGERS

- By BARRY COOPER

Hull City's final day survival has given the Tigers a chance to build and ensure next season is an awful lot more positive than the one they've just gone through.

Key to what happens will be City's business in the transfer market. It's imperative the Tigers strengthen up top after ending the season as the league's lowest scorers.

The Tigers will need to be frugal after the expenditure of last summer, and so looking to exploit the situation of those three clubs relegated below them could be an astute move.

Luton, Plymouth and Cardiff may have fallen through the Championship's trapdoor, but there are players in those squads that will be attractive to clubs like the Tigers.

Here's a look at those players who could make a positive difference...

Callum O'Dowda - Cardiff City, left-back, aged 30

Republic of Ireland international, who can play on the wing or in defence, was a regular at Oxford and Bristol City before joining Cardiff in 2022. He was a major target in January for City before the Bluebirds hierarchy pulled the plug on the deal.

Missed most of 2023-24 due to injuries but no one played more for Cardiff in 2024-25 as he demonstrated natural athleticism.

Former boss Omer Riza told WalesOnline: “He is a great character, well spoken, articulate, a standout performer, good with the youngsters and seniors, good with the staff, does his community stuff. He is captain material.

“It’s important to always lead by example on the pitch, and he does that. His injuries have left him in a position where he hasn’t played as much as he would have liked, but this season he has been robust. Off the pitch, he handles himself in a dignified manner and is very respectful.

“He takes his time to think about what he wants to say. He takes his time when he’s absorbing what you're telling him. He's quite a deep character, but I’ve got on well with him from the minute I walked in through the door.”