Brown is ready for challenge

A defeat against Gary Megson's Bolton would leave Hull with a meagre return of just one point from their last five league games.

Phil Brown, the Hull manager, is acutely aware of the significance of tonight's showdown with fellow strugglers Bolton at the Reebok Stadium. Having already lost to high-flying Aston Villa, Arsenal and Manchester United in December, a defeat against Gary Megson's side would leave Hull with a meagre return of just one point from their last five league games. But Brown, whose team are 19th, one spot behind Bolton, is convinced the Tigers' improved recent performances can carry them to a vital away win and push them clear of the relegation zone.

"We've had a lot of great performances of late and it's disappointing we haven't got any points from the last two games," said Brown. "We're showing a lot of heart for the situation we are in. "We now need that level of commitment and performance against Bolton. It is no good bringing that level of commitment to the table against the top four and then going to Bolton and not giving the same commitment."

The Hull defender Andy Dawson, who scored an own goal against Manchester United on Sunday, played down the importance of tonight's match. "We'll give 110 per cent in every match we play in, whether it's Manchester United or Bolton," said Dawson. "We can't afford to cherry-pick matches. Every game, from one to 38, is important. Bolton is no more important than United." Megson, meanwhile, will be hoping that Hull's failure to win away this season continues tonight. "We wanted to three points at Burnley [on Saturday] then go back to the Reebok and get a victory against Hull," said Megson. "All three points is the plan." @Email:[e-mail] Bolton v Hull, KO midnight, Showsports 3