Hull City boss Phil Brown is confident the club will stay in the top flight with the help of returning star Jimmy Bullard.

The former Fulham man has been struggling with knee problems since joining the Tigers but Brown believes once he is fully fit, the team will improve out of sight.

"For me, Jimmy is going to be key to our season," said Brown. "When he comes back it will have an impact on players around him because of his exuberance.

"It's exactly the same thing that Rooney gives to the United team. When Jimmy plays, he lends himself to other players around him. That's the difference.

"When Jimmy played for us two or three months ago, that was the reason we were winning games and creating chances.

"We need that to come back to the table and I'm still optimistic he'll play some part in the Wolves game next weekend."