Brown's duo hopes

Hull boss Phil Brown is monitoring the progress of Nick Barmby and Anthony Gardner with a view to them playing at Spurs.

Barmby has returned to training with the side after shaking off a calf injury but whether he will feature against Spurs remains to be seen. Gardner is also winning his battle with a thigh injury and Brown is hopeful that the pair may be able to feature against their former club on Sunday.

On Barmby, Brown told the Mail: "The old spark is still there and we're just hoping that he can bring it to the party at some stage.

"Whether it's enough for Sunday, I don't know."

Asked about Gardner, Brown said: "You're looking at a guy who, if needed on Sunday, I think will play, there's no doubt about that.

"But he's probably looking at the two-week break after the Tottenham game to make sure that he's absolutely spot on for the West Ham game."