Kilbane relishing Croker clashes

THESE are busy times for Kevin Kilbane. Memorable times.

Any other time and Saturday’s headliner against Marco Lippi’s world champions would dominate his thoughts but it is too tempting not to peek ahead to Wednesday and Montenegro and what should be his 100th cap.

Interviews with the Hull City man tend to be no more taxing than a natter down the pub between friends at the worst of times, so it’s no surprise to see him wander in for media duties this week with a beaming smile.