Dawson could return for Hull

Hull boss Iain Dowie is confident defender Andy Dawson will be fit for tomorrow’s crunch Premier League clash against Birmingham at St Andrew’s.

The left-back was carried off during last week’s 4-1 defeat by Burnley with a leg injury but tests revealed only bruising.

Midfielder Richard Garcia, though, is definitely out. The Australian suffered a knee problem in training and underwent an arthroscopy yesterday.

Stephen Hunt has been ruled out for the season after undergoing further foot surgery this week while defender Anthony Gardner (ankle) has returned to training but will not be considered.

Kamil Zayatte, Ian Ashbee and Amr Zaki (all knee) remain on the sidelines.

Hull (from): Myhill, Duke, Marney, McShane, Mouyokolo, Kilbane, Bullard, Cairney, Geovanni, Boateng, Ghilas, Olofinjana, Barmby, Altidore, Fagan, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Folan, Mendy, Dawson, Sonko, Cooper.