Alex boss feels Hull City could have done the best bit of business on transfer deadline day by signing our former player.

Steve added: “I would put him in the same bracket as Dele Alli. I know he hasn’t shown that yet because of the problems he has had with injuries, but if he gets the chance to showcase his talent then there is no reason why he cannot be as good as that.”

“I just hope Nick proves us right because we always felt he would go on to play for England and make an impact at the top level.

“He has joined a great club in Hull. They are at the top end of the Championship and it will be good for him to be involved in a push for promotion. It could be a master stroke by Steve (Bruce) because he is getting a very talented player.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “Nick needs to play. He has had a few injures and that has restricted his chances to showcase his talent at Manchester United. He hasn’t had the opportunity to do that and I am pleased he managed to get a move on deadline day.

Powell joined the Championship club on deadline day yesterday and will get the opportunity to make an impact in their quest to re-join the elite in the Premier League.

Powell, 21, has seen his chances become limited at his parent Manchester United due to a succession of injuries and with his contract set to expire this summer, a chance to play regularly at the KC Stadium should be the perfect platform for the talented forward. Steve Davis believes that our former Academy graduate, Nick Powell, has the potential to emulate the impact made by Dele Alli at Tottenham Hotspur if he can recapture his form on loan at Hull City.