Hull City boss Phil Brown is happy to see talk of European qualification cool in recent weeks.

He said: "We have gone out of the top six and any thoughts of Europe, if they were at the forefront of anyone's mind, are not now.

"It is about arresting the situation, getting something out of the game against Aston Villa and restoring pride and confidence in the shirt.

"Would I take a point from the game? Probably yes, but the circumstances will change during the course of the 90 minutes.

"In the long-term scenario, we are still ahead of schedule. We are still in the top half and it will take a massive effort to remain there.

"The priority for me is to get a second year in the Premier League. That has not changed. For us to do that we have got to win five games from 19."