Hull City striker Daniel Cousin continues to struggle for fitness as the Tigers prepare for the forthcoming clash with closely placed Portsmouth.

 

The former Rangers front man is suffering from a back injury which is not being helped by the onset of better weather as manager Phil Brown pointed out. "The grounds are getting harder and it's not doing him any favours. We'll give him time and assess him closer to the weekend."

Brown also confirmed his determination to concentrate on the matter in hand - keeping Hull in the premier League - despite the ongoing row over the Cesc Fabregas spitting allegations. The FA enquiry into the incident following City’s stormy cup exit at the Emirates has heard Hull’s evidence and Brown will now let is run it’s course. With the FA now considering whether the Arsenal man has a case to answer to, the Tiger’s boss knows where his thoughts need to be. “My players need me right now and I need them.”

No-one at the KC expects anyone from Hull to be charged but until the FA findings are confirmed, football must be the main focus as they remain still within a couple of bad results of the relegation zone.