Last Updated: Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:28
Phil Brown believes the future of the club could be rosy in the wake of Tom Cairney's recent performances in the Tigers midfield.
Brown was delighted with the young midfielder's display against Chelsea in midweek, revealing that Seyi Olofinjana was aware of the competition for places in that area, and adding that Cairney is not the only local product who could make a big impact one day soon.
The Hull City boss said: "Tom Cairney, in the light of Jimmy Bullard's long-term injury and one or two falling by the wayside in terms of form and then Seyi Olofinjana going to the African Nations Cup, has grabbed his chance.
"When Seyi got back the first question he asked was 'I believe Tom has played well?' Because there is a genuine belief and togetherness. While he's been away at the African Nations Cup, he has been keeping very close tabs on how the team is doing and he's delighted for Tom.
"It doesn't look like Tom needs his feet keeping on the ground, he looks like he's taking it all in his stride.
"I liked the way he finished the game against Chelsea. Normally you would tire in a game three days after your debut and that was the dilemma about whether to keep him in, certainly against the diamond formation Chelsea were playing that was full of world-class players. And Tom's putting his foot on the ball in the 85th minute and still getting us playing football.
"It's nice to have that old Dutchman (George Boateng) alongside him who can talk him through games.
"It's a long-term plan. With Tom, Liam Cooper and Mark Cullen, the future of the club is looking a lot more healthy than it ever has done when you've got two or three knocking at the door. They are all local boys as well."