Source: Eurosport
Brown convinced by Tigers talent
Hull boss Phil Brown is convinced he has a squad capable of fighting their way out of relegation trouble.
The Tigers are just four points above the Premier League drop zone following last week's loss to fellow strugglers Middlesbrough and they face another crucial trip to Sunderland on Saturday.
Brown was angered by the performance in the 3-1 defeat at the Riverside Stadium but is confident his players can produce the required response as they make a quick return to the north east.
"We put in an uncharacteristic performance at Middlesbrough and didn't bring our normal hard-working game to the table," Brown said.
"That was the most disappointing thing and that is all I am asking for."All we want is the players to bring their most energetic game, and that will be sufficient.
"We always knew this stage of the season was going to be a tough ask.
"We were under no illusions at the start of the season, even when we got 20 points in nine games, that it wouldn't manifest itself in a scrap at the end of the season.
"That is what it has turned out to be and I reckon I have got the character in the squad and in individuals to be prepared for any kind of scrap.
"Two years ago we were in a survival campaign and we could have gone out of business 10 years ago - that takes a lot of character."
Both sides will be feeling the pressure this weekend, with Sunderland in an even more precarious position, two points worse off than 15th-placed Hull.Hull are anxiously looking over their shoulders after picking up just one win in 16 outings while Sunderland's predicament has led to speculation over manager Ricky Sbragia's future.
"There is going to be that much pressure around," Brown said.
"There is already talk of managers replacing Ricky and that is ridiculous at this stage of the season.
"It's a test for everybody. We don't want to go back to the Championship, we want to be a Premier League club for the second season running.
"That brings a lot of rewards and it is who wants it most.
"We have got to take the pressure off the players.
"This week has been a bit different. We have made one or two changes in routine and hopefully they will manifest themselves in a lot calmer a performance but a lot more energetic.
"That is all that was missing. A lot of players under pressure stop running. We have got to make sure we run on Saturday."
Brown is forced to make at least one change with captain Ian Ashbee suspended after picking up his 10th booking of the season.George Boateng is likely to start in his place while striker Daniel Cousin and winger Bernard Mendy will undergo fitness tests.
Brown is also considering whether to drop goalkeeper Matt Duke after a difficult afternoon at Boro and recall Wales international Boaz Myhill.Myhill, one of the stars of last season's promotion campaign, has not started a league game since January but has quietly gone about his business since.
The 28-year-old said: "It's been a new experience for me but there is nothing you can do as a player other than train hard.
"It's for the good of the group over the course of the season and that's what everyone's attitude has got to be."
Myhill is also confident Hull can beat the drop.
"I'm not too sure we have warranted much criticism over the course of the season," he said.
"Over the course of the season is how we'll be judged and at the end of the season I am sure we will have done enough."
