Jakirovic reveals live on Sky Sports how Oli McBurnie celebrated Hull City beating Millwall | OneFootball

The Tigers have reached a third Championship play-off final in club history

Hull City defied the odds once again and are now into a third Championship play-off final in the space of 18 years following a 2-0 success over Millwall in the second leg of their semi-final clash at The Den.

Many anticipated another close matchup between the Lions and the Tigers, although it was still Alex Neil's side who were heavily fancied by outsiders to reach the showpiece event at Wembley Stadium on May 23rd, particularly as an intimidating and hostile environment was expected to await Sergej Jakirovic's visitors.

However, as has proven to be the case multiple times this season, the Bosnian's outfit were not fazed by the atmosphere in SE16, and like they did in December in the regular Championship season, emerged victorious by a two-goal margin.

Although he was introduced in place of the unfortunate Kyle Joseph, who was on the receiving end of a forceful challenge from Thierno Ballo and was forced off with an ankle issue, Algerian winger Mohamed Belloumi proved to be the decisive figure in the tie.

Indeed, he opened the scoring with 26 minutes of normal time remaining with an exquisite curling finish past Anthony Patterson, before the Lions goalkeeper let Joe Gelhardt's low strike, from a Belloumi assist, squirm through his hands to seal City's passage to North London.

It has been well-documented that Jakirovic and his side have had to battle through several instances of on and off-pitch adversity to reach this point, and they now wait and see whether they will face Southampton or Middlesbrough under the Wembley arch, with the other semi-final already full of drama.

But, with there being over a week until the final, Jakirovic has certainly allowed his team to enjoy the moment.

Sergej Jakirovic issues hilarious Oli McBurnie comment after Hull City reach Championship play-off final

Despite not scoring over the two legs, it's fair to say that City's campaign could have taken a different road if it wasn't for the 17 goals of Oli McBurnie, who was signed on a free transfer in August after the club faced immense competition for the 29-year-old.

Unsurprisingly, the striker's commitment to the cause, as well as his goalscoring prowess and experience, has made him an immediate favourite at the MKM Stadium.

Speaking alongside the aforementioned goalscorer, Gelhardt, the former Sheffield United man revealed that he and his teammates would enjoy the rest of the night after securing their spot in the play-off final.

Jakirovic has also endeared himself to the Tigers faithful and beyond for his personality in the media, and that was also on show when he was asked by Leicester City boss, Gary Rowett, if he would allow the players to have some beers after their achievement.

Reacting to Rowett's joke about what his star striker told him, David Prutton and former Tigers defender, Curtis Davies, in the Sky studio, he said: "I think he (McBurnie) is used to it on that.

"No matter if we win or lose, he grabs some beers," the 49-year-old added.

"Of course I will allow that, and they can celebrate. We have plenty of time to get ready for Wembley."

When asked about how he will balance preparations for Saturday week, Jakirovic continued: "Like always, we will approach the same.

"Of course, the stake is very, very high. It's a final. One game."

History is on Hull City's side in the Championship play-off final

The upcoming play-off final will be Hull's fifth visit to the national stadium in 122 years of history, with all of those coming since 2008.

The Tigers have only lost once at Wembley in said time, when they ran Arsenal close in the 2014 FA Cup final after taking a 2-0 lead inside the opening eight minutes.

Their other three previous encounters have seen them defeat Bristol City, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday respectively, with the former and latter coming in play-off finals.

As such, Jakirovic will be following in the footsteps of Phil Brown and Steve Bruce, with one of his 25-man squad potentially becoming the next Dean Windass or Mohamed Diame when it comes to writing their name into folklore in East Yorkshire.