Amari'i Bell wasn't signed as a 'Derrick Williams clone' as Tony Mowbray continues to encourage the 24-year-old to play his natural game.

Bell, signed from Fleetwood Town in January, is currently deputising for Williams who is struggling with a foot injury.

He missed just a second league match of Mowbray's tenure when he sat out the 0-0 draw with Millwall, as Bell was drafted in for his Championship debut.

Bell looks to set to continue in the left-back role for the visit to Hull City, with Mowbray believing the game will come too soon for Republic of Ireland international.

The level of competition at left-back is something Mowbray is looking to recreate in all areas of the pitch, but he admits Bell and Williams possess different qualities.

The boss explained: “I go through the video with Amari’i after every game.

“He needs to understand why he was brought here, it wasn’t to be a clone of Derrick it is to be an attacking, ball carrying, crossing, full-back.

“I thought he showed signs of that the other night that when he runs with the ball he can eliminate players and play like a winger really.

“Derrick is more defensive minded, solid. He started his early career at Aston Villa as a left sided centre half.

“Amari’i was brought in to bring us a different type of full-back and those signs are starting to show.

“We need to keep encouraging him, keep his confidence high and I’m sure we’ll see him ever improving.

“He can get people off their seats when he travels with the ball and he can whip crosses in to the box so I’m looking forward to seeing how he develops as a young player.

“Given the opportunity he’s getting at the minute, he has to try and grab it.”

Elliott Bennett (shin) and Danny Graham (knee) weren't risked for the Carabao Cup tie at Carlisle United on Tuesday.

But both trained on Thursday and expected to be part of the travelling party for the trip to the KCOM Stadium.

Williams meanwhile, joins Jacob Davenport (hip flexor) and Ben Gladwin (knee) on the sidelines.

“Both of them today," Mowbray said of Bennett and Graham. “I don’t envisage any problems with either of them.

“Derrick Williams is one that’s missed the last two games and I think this weekend might come too soon ”