Hull City Football Club News

• Nickname:The Tigers
• Founded:1904
• Manager:Nick Barmby

• Ground:Kingston Communications Stadium
• Capacity:25,404

Brown to assess Bullard

13 Oct 2009 - 11:09:50

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Hull City manager Phil Brown could have Jimmy Bullard back in his first-team squad for next Monday's Premier League clash at Fulham.

The 30-year-old has been sidelined since January when he suffered a knee injury on his debut at West Ham United.

Brown will assess the midfielder's fitness in a behind-closed-doors friendly against York City on Tuesday afternoon.

"Whether or not Jimmy will be able to start against Fulham will depend entirely on how he does against York and how he trains for the rest of the week," Brown told the Hull Daily Mail.

"His attitude has been absolutely first class but we'll only play Jimmy at the right time.

"It was 45 minutes under his belt last week, albeit reserves, and hopefully there will be another 60, 65 or 70 minutes against York.

"If he comes through unscathed again, fingers crossed he could play some part in the Fulham game, but I'll be keeping my cards close to my chest with regards to how much."

Anthony Gardner is also set to play against the Minstermen as he returns to action for the first time since August.

"We hope to see Anthony playing a part, we're looking at 45 minutes or maybe 60," added Brown.

"He's had a pleasing week of training but it's a case of building up his strength and confidence every day.

"That doesn't come quickly but hopefully once he gets a game under his belt that will come."