Hull City head coach Ruben Selles says Nordin Amrabat has the hunger to succeed at the MKM Stadium after the forward penned a short-term contract with the Championship club.

Eyebrows were raised when it emerged City had signed the veteran winger, who turns 38 at the end of March, after he left Greek giants AEK Athens earlier this month, with some fans questioning the logic of the deal and raising concerns about the Tigers' transfer strategy.

Selles, though, says Amrabat will provide good experience for the likes of Leeds United loanee Joe Gelhardt and Abu Kamara, while they navigate through a tough period without star summer signings Liam Millar and Mohamed Belloumi who are both sidelined with ACL injuries.

READ MORE: Brazilian forward heading to Hull City for medical after Tigers strike Fenerbahce transfer deal

READ MORE: Blackpool boss Steve Bruce opens up on interest in Hull City striker target

"It's a short-term deal for the club, and when you make that mix of profiles, we are having on the right-hand side two very young wingers (Gelhardt and Kamara), and we thought we could have an extra player to bring that mentorship to them and a player that has experienced different things, including the Premier League in England," the Tigers boss told Hull Live when asked why the club had signed a player approaching his 38th birthday.

"The opportunity appeared, and I think it's a player that can give us those moments that we will miss in some of the games, and that experience, quality and togetherness, that's the main thing about Nordin."

After three-and-a-half years in Athens, playing a key role in helping AEK win the league and cup double, the 64-cap Moroccan international hasn't played a competitive game since November 3, but Selles says after training for the first time with City on Thursday, he looks in good shape.

"Well, he has been training, but he has not been playing in the (AEK) games in the last couple of months, which is nothing dissimilar from some others (Matt Crooks and Gelhardt). He trained today (Thursday), and he was OK. We obviously need to raise some of his fitness levels, but it's OK."

City spent a lot of money in the summer on wingers Millar, Belloumi and Abu Kamara. With two of those unable to play, it's difficult for the club to go and spend more on players who may not feature much once those two are back next season. And Selles admits it's a balancing act strengthening for the now when their need is so great, but also being aware of the financial commitment made back in the summer.

"Well, it's a balance that we need to take," he explained. "I think, for example, in the case of Joe (Gelhardt), it's a loan, and that's how we sort that situation out.

"Nordin will give us something different in the position with a short-term contract, but we are open to even taking another one in that winger position, so it's it's hard in terms of balance, but we know the situation we are in here, and unfortunately, Mo nor Liam are going to support us in the short-term."

Some may question why City are signing a player of such an age who has played for 10 clubs during a career spanning almost two decades and his motivations. But Selles says there's no lack of hunger from Amrabat to come in and make a difference in the final weeks of the season, despite the doubters.

"He looks like a player that wants to play," he explained. "He's an ambitious player who wants to come here, be professional, give everything to the team, and do things properly."

City, meanwhile, are also expected to wrap up the loan signing of Fenerbahce attacker Lincoln Henrique on a loan deal until the end of the season.