Hull City boss Phil Brown admits veteran Nick Barmby is finding top flight football tough but his experience could be vital as the Tigers battle the drop. Brown hopes the 35-year-old midfielder will be able to play an influential role in the coming weeks.

"It's a case of looking at the remaining games and picking and choosing which games to play him in," Brown told the Hull Daily Mail.

"He's finding the Premier League brutal at the moment, but his inclusion in four or five of the remaining eight games will be key - it's just making sure we pick the right ones."

He added: "People will scrutinise my every decision between now and the end of the season, but that's the business we're in.

"Everyone wants to know why certain people aren't playing.

"Nicky Barmby's position was Geovanni's and I thought he was the one capable of unlocking Wigan.

"The other option was up top, but I felt Caleb Folan going back to his old club might be the spur.

"A fully-fit Nicky Barmby is a great asset. He was fit enough to be on the bench at Wigan, but it's about managing a player's fitness."