Hull captain Ian Ashbee out for nine months after setback to knee injury

18 August 2009 17:34
The 32 year-old will travel to the United States for surgery next week in the hope of saving his career. Phil Brown, the Hull manager, said: "It is a big blow for Ian and a big blow for us. We have had long discussions about it. He is in the last year of his contract and has tried desperately to try to get another one. In that inimitable fashion of his he is trying to prove people wrong." Meanwhile striker Jozy Altidore will be unavailable to face Spurs on Wednesday evening. Brown said: "Between work permits, swine flu, international duty, biometric tests, psychometric tests - I've not even mentioned his passport yet - I don't think he's going to play any part.” Hull were also hoping to begin discussing personal terms with Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo before the Tottenham game. Madrid have accepted Hull’s £12 million bid, but according to reports in Spain, Real Zaragoza hijacked the deal. However Brown, who missed out on Newcastle’s Habib Beye in similar circumstances when the defender went to Aston Villa, was confident on Tuesday that the 23 year-old would be flying to England for talks. "We have done everything we possibly can and hopefully he is coming in,” the Hull manager said. “There has been a lot of speculation, not just in Spain but further afield. I was pleased we appeared to be the only Premier League team involved and he has made reference to wanting to play in the Premier League. It is fingers crossed." Brown has not been totally unsuccessful in laying his hands on strikers this summer, for he has picked up Kamel Ghilas from Celta Vigo and Jozy Altidore on loan from Villarreal. Yet frustratingly for Brown, the latter has encountered problems with his international clearance. The 19 year-old reported for international duty with the United States last week but has been unable to return to the country, and unless the situation changes quickly, he will not be available for Spurs’ visit to the KC Stadium. Brown said: "Between work permits, swine flu, international duty, biometric tests, psychometric tests - I've not even mentioned his passport yet - I don't think he's going to play any part. He is still in the States but we are fairly adamant he will be on a plane on Thursday to train on Friday. The lad's very frustrated - he's a bundle of energy but he can't play. Hopefully he'll take that frustration out on somebody in the near future."

Source: Telegraph