Skipper Facing Season KO

Hull skipper Ian Ashbee could miss the whole season following a major setback in his recovery from injury. Ashbee ruptured his posterior cruciate ligament against Aston Villa last May(pictured) and was set to return next month. He will now flew to America for further surgery next week.

"Ian has had a setback with regards to his long term problem and it's been four years since he had an operation on his knee," said Brown.

"The setback came as a result of the tackle against Aston Villa and that has unfortunately resulted in him needing further surgery. He will be flying out to Colorado on Monday to undergo that surgery.

"Hopefully the scenario with Ian will be rehabilitation and be back within eight or nine months.

"This is a big blow for Ian and a big blow for us in terms of him being our club captain. We've had long discussions with Ian. He is in the last year of his contract here and he is trying desperately to get another one.

"In his own inimitable fashion, Ian is trying to prove people wrong."