Hull City FC

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• Founded:1904
• Manager:Nigel Pearson

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Brown cautious over Bullard

27 Feb 2010 - 10:07:03

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Midfielder Jimmy Bullard has not flown to Ireland with the rest of the Hull City squad for a friendly match with Galway United.

The 31-year-old lasted 55 minutes of a midweek reserve team clash with Wigan Athletic, but will not be risked until another friendly against Doncaster Rovers next week.

Manager Phil Brown told the Hull Daily Mail: "The hard work behind the scenes to get a player fit can often go unnoticed, but playing his first game in public, you could see that Jimmy was in good shape.

"It was testimony to the hard work that Jimmy has put in and to the hard work of all of our medical staff.

"The first steps after a lengthy lay-off are invariably are psychological, but the initial vibes I had from Jim after the game were very positive.

"He's just looking forward to getting out there and giving the lads a hand on the field of play. He's desperate to help the players and the club in the situation that we find ourselves in."

Meanwhile, Brown also confirmed that teenage midfielder Tom Cairney is close to agreeing a new long-term contract with the Tigers.

He added: "Tom has played very well for us and people are saying he should be the first name on the teamsheet even though he is still a young lad.

"We are very, very close to signing him on a new four-year contract and that would be great news both for Tom and Hull City."