The Chelsea loanee was selected from the start for the first time in the second tier by boss Liam Rosenior and was very tidy with the ball in the engine room.

The central midfielder, who turns 20 today (20 February) picked up some good positions in the midfield and looked to be gelling with his Hull team-mates, considering it was his full debut.

Simons had one shot, made one key pass and had 66 touches on the pitch – the third most among the Hull ranks.

Both teams went into the match level on points in mid-table and that is how the table looked after the match too, with Hull now 13th on goal difference, 11 points off the relegation zone but just seven points off a play-off spot.

After the match, Liam Rosenior was full of praise for Xavier.

'What I do have to say is look at young Xavi who came in and was absolutely magnificent,' the Tigers boss said. ;Xavi's training level since I've been in, his learning, his improvement, has been massive.

'He played the game like an experienced pro. For a midfield player to play against Preston like that at 19 years old was absolutely outstanding but I expect that from him because I think he's going to be a top player.'

Well played, keep it up, and happy birthday Xavi!