Hull City boss Phil Brown will resist the urge to hand Jimmy Bullard a start against his former club Fulham tonight.
The 30-year-old midfielder has been included in the Tigers’ travelling squad for the first time since damaging knee ligaments on his January debut.
But with limited match practice under his belt, Bullard will have to settle for a place among his substitutes.
Brown is likely to name an unchanged side from the team that beat Wigan 16 days ago in a bid to find back-to-back wins at Craven Cottage.
And while assistant manager Brian Horton remained coy on Bullard’s role, he hinted that the £5m man will not be risked.
“It’ll be a very hard decision to either play him or not play him because it’s got to be right,” said Horton.
“Starting might be a little bit too much if he’s only had 45 and 70 minute run-outs.
“He’s a fit lad but there’s no substitute for playing games.
“We all want him to play, the management team, the players and the fans, because he’s such a quality player.
“Simon Maltby (physio) has done a great job with him but patience comes into it now.”
