Source: SKY_Sports
Welcome break for Brown
Hull City manager Phil Brown is hoping the international break will help to refocus his squad.[LNB] The Tigers are currently enduring a woeful run of form, with just one win taken from their last 14 Premier League fixtures.[LNB]A 1-0 defeat at Wigan on Sunday has left them just four points above the relegation zone with eight games remaining.[LNB]Their fate remains in their own hands and, with matches against fellow strugglers Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and Sunderland to come in April, Brown knows how vital the next few weeks will be.[LNB]"People are saying it will be a nervous April looking at the next three games but we are just looking at the next one - Portsmouth," he said.[LNB]"It is a big game, as simple as that. We have already put the Wigan defeat behind us but we have to learn from it.[LNB]"Wigan are a side people say are a model for us to hang our hats on.[LNB]"As far as I'm concerned the model is about the experience at this level to in games, or not concede goals or even draw games if necessary and get something from them."[LNB]CharacterBefore Hull turn their attention back to the pursuit of precious points, they will be offered the opportunity to recharge their batteries during the international break.[LNB]Brown is hoping to have welcomed a number of his injured stars back into the fold by the time league action resumes, with skipper Ian Ashbee foremost in his thoughts.[LNB]"The beauty of the international break is it gives us an opportunity to get big players back," said the Tigers boss.[LNB]"Hopefully we will be able to get Ian Ashbee back on the training ground and he will have a fortnight to get back[LNB]"Michael Turner had a knock before the (Wigan) game and limped his way through it and Andy Dawson looks like he has pulled a calf.[LNB]"Michael is nursing a pulled thigh and he got a whack on his side but he is a good character and he gets through the games and we will assess the situation in the next 24 hours."[LNB]
