Bullard poised to start for Hull

Record signing Jimmy Bullard could make his first Hull start in tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League clash against Portsmouth at the KC Stadium.

The £5m midfielder made his first appearance in nine months as a substitute in Monday’s loss at Fulham and then had another run-out in the reserves the following night.

Defender Anthony Gardner is also back in contention after two months on the sidelines with a knee injury while captain Nick Barmby has overcome a calf problem.

With Richard Garcia nearing fitness after a knee injury, Ian Ashbee (knee) is Hull’s only major casualty.

Provisional squad: Myhill, McShane, Kilbane, Sonko, Dawson, Barmby, Marney, Zayatte, Geovanni, Hunt, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Ghilas, Mendy, Altidore, Bullard, Gardner, Mouyokolo, Olofinjana, Cousin, Halmosi, Boateng, Fagan, Cooper, Warner, Duke.