By Eye Of The Tiger
May 3 2009

Hull have a fully fit squad to face Aston Villa on Monday night. Only long term injuries absentees Jimmy Bullard and Anthony Gardner as well as the suspended Caleb Folan will be missing the game, that means Andy Dawson and Daniel Cousin could start the game. "We're as close as we possibly can be to having a full strength side out there on Monday night," said Brown.

"Anthony Gardner and Jimmy Bullard have both been out on the training ground doing rehabilitation work, but obviously they are both looking at next season.

"I can pick my strongest available eleven on Monday night and if I get that one right, hopefully we will give Aston Villa a game.

"The game against Villa at the KC Stadium earlier this season is still at the forefront of my mind. We had a game-plan and patience was a key factor.

"We had the ball in the back of the net early on but it was disallowed. Would that have changed the course of the match? Of course it would.

"We could have sat back and defended that one goal lead. I've said many times that the first goal is important.

"I think Villa have done it 14 times this season and we've done it 11 times. Whenever either of us has gone in front, we've never been beaten. It is key to the game on Monday night.

"I hope it will be a tight game and I hope that we defend properly against the pace that Aston Villa boast. I hope we defend sufficiently to allow ourselves the opportunity to get our noses in front. It seems to be the recipe for success for both sides."