Brown relishes Toffees test

Tigers aim to build on solid start to campaign

Last updated: 20th September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Brown relishes Toffees test

Brown: Relishing test

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Hull boss Phil Brown believes the visit of Everton to the KC Stadium on Sunday presents the Tigers with their biggest test of the season so far.

The Tigers have enjoyed a great start to their first-ever season in the Premier League, sitting in fifth place on seven points.

After beating Fulham on the opening day and then drawing at Blackburn, they then received a harsh reality check when losing 5-0 at home to Wigan.

But the Tigers bounced back in true Yorkshire style by beating managerless Newcastle 2-1 at St James's Park last time.

But Brown knows it will be tough against David Moyes' men.

He said. "Whatever is thrown at them it seems they are responding to it, but this will be our biggest test, no doubt about it.

Biggest test

"Newcastle was a big test but it was a good time to catch them. This will be our biggest test against one of the teams that can break the top-four stronghold."

Brown puts the solid start made by his charges down to the great spirit at the club.

"It is a togetherness we have got at the club," Brown said. "The team spirit at the football club is probably the main reason why we have got seven points on the board.

"I don't think anyone can deny we have not been lucky in the games - we have won them because we deserved to win them.

"But it is down to the mentality, the togetherness of the team and that was evident last season.

"We have added 11-12 players to the changing room and every player that we have brought in has brought something different, it's brought strength of character.

Strong characters

"I like strong characters, I like strong personalities."

Midfielder George Boateng is back in contention for the Toffees game having overcome a thigh injury, while Daniel Cousin could make his debut in place of Craig Fagan, who suffered a broken leg at Newcastle last week.

Brown added: "George has trained all week and has put his hat into the ring for Sunday.

"On the back of a good result at Newcastle, people are fighting for places, none more so than George.

"We have to make one change because of the Craig Fagan situation but hopefully we will get the right system and the right personnel."