Altidore Late, Left Out of Hull City Lineup

Saturday's game against last place Portsmouth was a huge one for Hull City, as the Tigers must take points from matches against other bottom dwellers if they want to stay up. With Hull City sitting in 18th place, a win for Phil Brown's team would mean that they would climb out of the relegation zone. Many American fans looked forward to this match in hopes that Jozy Altidore would be called on and, hopefully, score a goal. Unfortunately, Altidore did not even make the bench for the game, which ended in a 0-0 tie.

Altidore arrived late to Kingston Communications Stadium, Hull City's home ground, and was consequently left out of the lineup by Phil Brown. Brown has previously pledged that he will help prepare Jozy to become a star at next summer's World Cup, but he deemed the striker's lateness as "unacceptable" and left him out of his matchday squad. Brown also indicated to reporters that the US international would be fined. The reason for the tardiness is not yet known.

Altidore's loan stint at Hull City started promisingly enough, but has hit a bit of a lull of late. National Team coaches and fans alike will be hoping that the former New York Red Bull can get consistent playing time over the coming months to prepare for South Africa. For that to happen, though, Altidore will have to start by getting back in good graces with his manager. Hull City's next match will be at Burnley next Saturday.