Tigers veteran set for Latics start

Phil Brown has admitted that Dean Windass is set for a first Premier League start for Hull against Wigan at the KC Stadium on Saturday.

The Tigers boss needs to replace loan striker Marlon King, who is ineligible to feature against his parent club, and is set to call on the veteran striker after he scored and impressed in the 2-1 Carling Cup defeat at Swansea on Tuesday.

However, Brown must decide whether to hand Windass a start or opt for Caleb Folan against his former club.

He told the Hull Mail: "It's important keeping everyone motivated. Where Dean Windass is concerned, he just wants to play football.

"I gave him that opportunity on Tuesday and I know he'll say he just wants to score goals and he's done that. He's ticking all the boxes as far as I'm concerned.

"Do I repay him with a start tomorrow? That remains to be seen.

"The hardest part of football is motivating not those players who are one to 11, but 12 to 25. That's my life."

Combative midfielder George Boateng is still missing due to a thigh injury, while Anthony Gardner is doubtful. However, Ian Ashbee and Andy Dawson are both clear to feature.