make the grade.

But fast-forward two years and the Tigers find themselves greatly missing the player current manager Grant McCann has called "the heartbeat" of the team.

The second half of last season saw Stewart become an important fixture in Hull's midfield, starting games regularly as the club pushed for a place in the top six, ultimately missing out with a couple of games to go.

And when McCann replaced Adkins in the summer, the Irishman was quick to build his midfield around the 26-year-old.

(Image: William Early/Getty Images)

After waiting two seasons for his first Hull goal, Stewart managed to score two in one game as the Tigers beat Luton Town 3-0 in September.

“He offers energy and aggression but he can play, left foot and right foot. He’s been outstanding, he reallyagain looking to claw their way into the play-off places and McCann had to dip into the transfer market to strengthen his midfield options, recruiting Liverpool's Herbie Kane on loan earlier this month.

And while Liverpool fans will understandably think they got the better end of the Stewart-Robertson swap deal, the midfielder is now showing his worth - in his absence as much as his presence at Hull City.