Hull midfielder Jimmy Bullard set to return for crucial clash with Wolves

25 January 2010 11:20
Jimmy Bullard is on the verge of a return for Hull City's relegation fight.[LNB]The former Fulham midfielder has been out for six weeks with a knee injury, but a year after a similar problem ruled him out of The Tigers' survival bid, he is close to returning for Wolves' visit to the KC Stadium on Saturday.[LNB]And Hull boss Phil Brown believes his £5 million man can help guide his team to safety this season.[LNB] Bullard: Picked up an injury during Hull's clash with Birmingham last month[LNB]City were unbeaten in the three games Bullard started and completed on his original return three months ago when he scored two vital goals.[LNB]Although Brown has previously insisted Hull are not a one-man band, the City manager clearly recognises the importance of the 31-year-old who played such a crucial role in Fulham's fight against the drop two seasons ago.[LNB]Brown said: 'Jimmy Bullard for me is going to be key to our season. When he comes back it will have an impact on players around him because of his exuberance.[LNB]'It is exactly the same as the likes of Wayne Rooney gives to the Manchester United team. United have a spattering of exuberance in every player.[LNB]'When Jimmy plays, he lends himself to other players around him. That was the difference. When Jimmy played for us two or three months ago, that was the reason we were winning games and creating chances and we need that to come back to the table.[LNB] Welcome return: Hull will be delighted to see Jimmy Bullard back[LNB]'I am still optimistic that he will play some part in the Wolves game.'[LNB]Brown also believes his side's home form will have a major bearing on their chances of success.[LNB]Hull won just one game after the turn of the year 12 months ago and the KC Stadium was hardly a fortress, as they failed to add to their three home wins in the final five months.[LNB]They have fared much better this season, picking up four wins and losing just three. And with Wolves, Chelsea and Manchester City due to visit their East Yorkshire home in the next fortnight, their durability on home turf will be severely tested.[LNB]Major fight: Phil Brown's Hull face a relegation battle[LNB]Brown said: 'We didn't get enough points at the KC Stadium last season to turn our fortunes around.[LNB]'We need to be at our best with and without the ball against Wolverhampton Wanderers.[LNB]'After Wolves, we have Chelsea and Man City - those are three gamesat the KC Stadium in front of our home fans. That is proving to be atwelfth man at the moment. The KC wasn't a fortress last season, wehave to make sure it becomes a fortress in those next three games. Wehave to get something from every game.[LNB]'We will have more possession against Wolves and we have to put our best foot forward when we have the ball.[LNB]'We have a full week of preparation ahead of a game against a team that we are capable of beating.[LNB]'I am very optimistic. There are 16 games to go and it is massivechallenge. I don't think anyone really gave us a chance of gettinganything at Tottenham or Manchester United so we are a point ahead.[LNB]'We will be judged on the three games at the KC Stadium, starting with Wolves.'[LNB] Wayne Rooney is just FOUR-midable as Hull are beatenBungs probe shock: Hull court battle lifts lid on 'deals' by ex-chairman[LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail