Brown keen to avoid changes

Hull City manager Phil Brown says he will not make changes to his starting line-up for the clash against West Ham.

The Tigers take on Gianfranco Zola's side in a crucial bottom-of-the-table clash at the KC Stadium on Saturday, with both sides in desperate need of three points.

The Humberside club went into the international break on the back of a morale boosting victory over Stoke and the City boss is set to reward the players who started in the 2-1 win with another chance to impress.

"On the back of a tremendous performance against Stoke, it would be remiss of me to make wholesale changes or any changes for that matter because of the spirit of the performance," Brown told Sky Sports News.

He maybe forced to tinker with his midfield though, after midfielder Seyi Olofinjana picked up a hamstring injury whilst on international duty.

Goalkeeper Boaz Myhill is close to a return after a suffering a knee injury, although Matt Duke is likely to start for the successive match.

"We've got a slight problem with Seyi Olofinjana who's come back from international duty feeling his hamstring so we'll have a look at him today. He's a doubt for tomorrow but we haven't made that decision yet," Brown said.

"Boaz Myhill is still a little wrapped up in cotton wool but making great strides to staking a claim on Saturday."

Infectious

Play-maker Geovanni could replace Nigerian Olofinjana after serving a one match ban, and the Brazilian may partner the fit-again Jimmy Bullard in the centre of midfield.

The pairing of Bullard and Geovanni would give The Tigers plenty of attacking flair, and Brown said his players must take Bullard's example if they are to win the match.

"We aren't a one-man band, but he (Bullard) has an infectious habit of getting everyone around him playing the same way," Brown admitted.

"If you have eight, nine or 10 joining the party then you have a chance of winning the game."

Focus

Irish trio Kevin Kilbane, Paul McShane and Stephen Hunt return to the Hull ranks after their heart-breaking World Cup play-off defeat to France, but Brown says his men will be focussed on the job in hand.

"Our thoughts do go out to the Irish team in the manner they were defeated but they have got a job to do back at Hull City," said Brown.

"I would have no qualms or hesitation about all three coming back in good spirits. They're very experienced lads, all three of them.

"You sometimes forget Paul McShane is only 23 - he carries a wealth of experience. And putting an arm around Kevin Kilbane, 102 international caps? I don't think he'll take too kindly to that.

"I think he'll understand our situation and focus fully on the game on Saturday."