Ricketts back for Tigers

Defender Sam Ricketts is available again for Hull’s Barclays Premier League clash with Aston Villa at the KC Stadium on Tuesday.

Ricketts missed yesterday’s 5-1 thrashing at Manchester City through suspension after his sending off against Sunderland last week.

His likely return at left-back should allow Paul McShane to revert to right-back with Bernard Mendy in midfield.

Hull’s defensive options could be further boosted if Andy Dawson (Achilles) and Anthony Gardner make significant progress over the next few days. Striker Caleb Folan remains on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Provisional squad: Myhill, McShane, Turner, Zayatte, Ricketts, Mendy, Boateng, Marney, Ashbee, Geovanni, King, Cousin, Doyle, Fagan, Halmosi, Barmby, Windass, Hughes, Doyle, Garcia, Giannakopoulos, Duke.