Hull City boss Phil Brown was delighted to get Anthony Gardner back onto the pitch for their 1-1 draw with FA Cup opponents Sheffield United.

It was only the defender's fourth appearance since his £2.5million summer move from Tottenham after spending five months on the sidelines with thigh injuries.

Brown was encouraged by his performance and he could be in contention to face former club Tottenham in Hull's next Barclays Premier League game next Monday.

"The massive plus was Tony Gardner getting 90 minutes under his belt," Brown said.

"We always said if we could get him up to speed in January it would be like a new signing.

"We have now got good competition for places at centre-back, which we have not had since I have been at the club."