Brown cheered by Cairney rise

Youngster sets standard for bright future

By Lizzie Rose   Last updated: 6th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Brown cheered by Cairney rise

Cairney: Bright future

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Hull City manager Phil Brown has pinpointed impressive teenage midfielder Tom Cairney as proof that the club has a healthy future.

The 19-year-old made his Premier League debut in last weekend's 2-2 draw with relegation rivals Wolves and produced a display that earned him a further call-up against Chelsea on Tuesday.

The Nottingham-born midfielder impressed again in the 1-1 draw with Carlo Ancelotti's title-chasers and looks set to keep his place in the starting line-up for Saturday's clash with Manchester City.

Cairney is one of a number of youngsters making progress at the KC Stadium, along with local boy Liam Cooper - and despite their current relegation battle, Brown insists it is a good sign for the future.

"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," said the Tigers boss.

Togetherness

"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.

"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."

Cairney is fortunate enough to have the likes of Bullard and Olofinjana to call on for advice but Brown admits it is his current midfield partner - veteran George Boateng - who is providing valuable guidance.

Future

"It's nice to have that old Dutchman alongside him who can talk him through games," he said.

"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."

Such an emergence has led to questions about Cairney's international potential and long-term future but Brown insist there is no rush to make any decisions.

"We'll take our time, his contract is up next year," he said.

"He's got a long-term future in the game and, hopefully, it will be at Hull City."