Hull City boss Phil Brown says veteran midfielder Nicky Barmby will be given every chance to win a new contract.

He told the Hull Daily Mail: "People have got to play games to get in my mind with regards to a new contract.

"Nick is not a foolish man, he is a very intelligent lad, so he'll know that as well as anybody.

"He knew he needed to get out of the treatment room as quickly as he possibly could and he knew that he had to put a shift in on the training ground on a daily basis.

"That gets him in the team and that will be the key to him getting a new contract."

Barmby was selected for a key role in the Championship play-offs - featuring in all three historic games.

A starting role in City's first ever Premier League fixture against Fulham also showed his manager's faith.

"He's like a young boy who just wants to play, he's like Peter Pan" added Brown.

"He gets out on the training ground and he's always the bright, bubbly one.

"He's a top-of-the-ground player. Even if it's knee-deep in mud, he'll be floating on top of the ground.

"He's got a flighty, sharp style of play and he's always one step ahead. He knows where the next pass is going quicker than anyone else.

"That kind of brilliance, and that's all you can call it, is something that's needed at this club."