Hull City assistant boss Brian Horton insists the team they send out against FA Cup opponents Sheffield United will be competitive.

Phil Brown's men are just six points above 18th-placed Rovers, having played a game more, ahead of their forthcoming six-pointer.

With that in mind, Brown is likely to make a number of changes for the Blades clash but the club claim the FA Cup remains an important factor in their season, for two good reasons.

Hull have not played in the quarter-finals since 1971 and reaching the last eight would lift spirits and raise hopes of another Wembley visit following on from last year's play-off success.

Also, Brown hopes any players left out of the side will then be suitably fired up for the return to league action.

"If I was a footballer and I was left out tomorrow night, I'd be aggrieved," said Brown's number two Brian Horton. "I'd want to play.

"I wouldn't even be thinking about playing Blackburn, I'd want to be out there in front of a packed house playing in a cup tie.

"This is a massive game for the football club - the chance to get into the quarter-finals for the fans, players, staff, board.

"It's been 38 years, that tells its own story.

"And it's massive because it is the next game. The next game is always important to players.

"Any game you are involved in as a player, manager, coach, you want to win.

"There is plenty of recovery time before Blackburn."