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Hull City fans are down in the dumps after it became clear that Tommy Elphick's return to Aston Villa is now very much on.

Dean Smith confirmed that the defender was under consideration as the claret and blues currently deal with a defensive crisis.

And Tigers boss Nigel Adkins today admitted there was a 'strong possibility' of him ending his season-long loan spell next month.

This is how Hull fans have reacted:

@HullCityStats

“Shame Saturday looks like it’s Elphick’s last game at city, been a pure professional. Fresh start at Villa for him beckons with new management there. Still confident with the Centre Backs we have. De Wijs, Burke, Mazuch, McKenzie All good enough to step up when needed. #hcafc”

@HenrySP95

“When Tommy Elphick goes back to villa, I’m grabbing my duvet,curling up in a ball and having a little cry at the thought of our defence without him. #hcafc”

@HullTransfers

“Reports suggesting Elphick is going back to Aston Villa in January. He’s been such a big player for us this season. Love his passion as well. Would be missed #hcafc”

@BentosTheEnigma

“Elphick was always going to go back. How can a Villa side with a lack of defensive depth not recall a player performing well? And if we’re honest, he’ll want to go back to impress a new manager that’ll likely be pushing for a play off place #hcafc”

Adkins thoughts

Nigel Adkins has admitted that there is a ‘strong possibility’ that Tommy Elphick will return to Aston Villa next month.

The Hull City manager, speaking after watching his side - which included Elphick - win at Preston North End on Boxing Day, conceded that the Tigers’ clash with Leeds United on Saturday could be the central defender’s final appearance for the club after he confirmed that Villa boss Dean Smith had contacted him over a potential recall.

Elphick was loaned out to Hull - having scored against them on the opening weekend of the season - in the summer by then manager Steve Bruce, but such is Villa’s defensive injury woe at the moment that Smith is understood to be looking into the possibility of recalling Elphick, an option at Villa’s disposal.

Axel Tuanzebe is out with a metatarsal injury for the next couple of months, and Smith has had to ask James Bree to come in from the cold, with Mile Jedinak also unavailable.

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Adkins, who has enjoyed having Elphick in his side, spoke positively of his contribution and the likelihood of his return to Villa Park.

“It’s a big shame if it is (his last game v Leeds) but we’ll have to wait and see,” Adkins told HullLive .

“From my point of view he’s done great for us and his form has probably alerted Aston Villa to the situation because he was out of there.

“Now, all of a sudden, there’s a player in form in the Championship that they might have to recall.

“We’re not saying that is going to happen but there’s a strong possibility it could happen. If it does, we’ll just have to address it.

“I’d had no contact at all from Villa up to last week but I’ve spoken with Deano (Dean Smith) and there is a possibility. Unfortunately that’s the way that could pan out.

“He’s put his body on the line again for the team, he’s grafting, he’s tackling, he’s heading.

“You can’t fault his professionalism and commitment, he’s been top drawer.

“We’ve had a conversation and he really enjoys it here. He’s enjoyed the camaraderie we’ve got as a team.

“He’s been around a lot of clubs and he knows everything you should be doing is happening here. Behind the scenes we’re doing the right things.”