Our daily blog with the latest news, transfer rumours and gossip about Hull City in the Premier League.
Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan says Hull City's Robbie Brady "can be anything he wants to be". Speaking in Dublin at an event for Setanta Sports, Sir Alex Ferguson's former number two praised Brady for the maturity he has shown since leaving Old Trafford.
"He's a determined guy, he has served his apprenticeship at United, he has grown up a lot and can now make decisions for himself," said Phelan. "You can see that the maturity is there. He made the move which was important for him at the time to get the correct club. He has took it really well, he has become more professional and it benefits him, Ireland and the club he is playing for."Rumourmill starts grinding
Steve Clarke is "desperate" to keep Shane Long at West Bromwich Albion, according to today's Daily Star. Long - whose contract is up in the summer - has been linked with a January move to Hull City following Steve Bruce's attempts to sign him on transfer deadline day.
Clarke, who is expected to begin talks with the Baggies on his own future in the new year, said: "The situation is as it's been for a number of months. I look at Shane's performance against Chelsea and I don't think it's upsetting him too much. I've said all along that Shane will play a big part for us this season."
Newcastle are also rumoured to be interested in a move for the 26-year-old Irish striker, who has left a contract offer from West Brom on the table. For now, though, Clarke is happy to let Long do his talking on the pitch.
"He had an interrupted start to this season and now again he's been away for an international break," he said. "Strikers thrive on goals and hopefully he can get another when he next plays for us."
For City, the countdown to the January window is well and truly underway. Bruce has reassured fans he has no plans to cash in on Sone Aluko, but is braced for Sunderland to recall Danny Graham. Jake Livermore is less likely to return to Spurs, given the strength in depth at White Hart Lane, but Bruce is prepared for all eventualiaties.
Meanwhile, Aaron Mclean says he is determined to get on the goal trail after completing his loan move to Birmingham.Millen hopes to bow out with Palace win at KC
Crystal Palace caretaker boss Keith Millen hopes to bow out with a win at City to kick-start a revival for the Eagles. Bottom-of-the-table Palace visit the KC with Tony Pulis reportedly close to agreeing to succeeding Ian Holloway, who left Selhurst Park on October 23.
Following the trip to Hull, Palace play Norwich, West Ham and Cardiff in fixtures Millen believes they should be targeting points. "Short term, if we can get some results in the next four, then we're in touching distance of four or five teams," Millen said. "I think that's the best we can hope for at the moment.
"We've got to look at the next four games. With all due respect to the teams we're playing, they are teams that we feel we've got to try to get some results from. There's enough points to play for us to survive, without a doubt."
Palace have avoided defeat in just two of their 11 Premier League matches, including in their most recent match, a 0-0 draw with Everton. City, on the other hand, are unbeaten at home,beating Norwich, West Ham and Sunderland in their five games at the KC Stadium - while Palace are pointless away.
Millen added: "Hull have probably adapted the quickest out of the three teams that got promoted. Cardiff have had some good results, certainly at home. We're going there with confidence but we also know we mustn't underestimate Hull. It's going to be a tough test for us.
"They've beaten teams we feel might be around us at the end of the season. We've got to show them as much respect as we do the Arsenals and the Evertons. Hull got promoted with us last year, we know all about them, we've had some good games against them in the past."
Midfielder Jonny Williams has recovered from an ankle injury and could play. Midfielder Adlene Guedioura is out after fracturing two ribs and suffering a partly collapsed lung in a collision with West Brom goalkeeper Boaz Myhill earlier this month. Striker Glenn Murray and defender Jack Hunt remain long-term absentees.
Allan McGregor and Robbie Brady could both return for the Tigers, but Stephen Quinn has been ruled out for five weeks with a hamstring injury.McShane: Tigers are refreshed and ready
Paul McShane says Hull City can't wait to get back into action after the international break.
He said: "It's certainly a game we're all looking forward to playing. We had a few days off last weekend and I think we're all feeling refreshed and ready for Saturday.
"Crystal Palace will provide a tough test, but this is a big game. It will be competitive and we're going to have to be at our best to get something from the game.
"I've had to bide my time again this season and wait for a chance and that came against Spurs. I think I did alright in that game and I've been playing since then. I'm a bit impatient when I'm not playing because I want to be out there all the time. I've had to change my ways a little bit, but that comes with experience."
