Hull City v Chelsea: Positive outlook returns after Hunt stays at Hull

But, as the Tigers prepare to host Chelsea, there is likely to be a spring in the step of those heading towards the KC Stadium tonight.

The reason for the increased confidence is last night's transfer window slamming shut with top scorer Stephen Hunt still very much part of Phil Brown's squad after Hull chairman Adam Pearson rejected one last desperate bid of 5m from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

To a club who had been desperate to slash their wage bill during January and chip away at a debt of 9m, it represented an amazing leap of faith.

It also ensured yesterday's news about Bullard, who Brown had suggested over the weekend could be fit to face Manchester City on Saturday, will not be back until March at the earliest did not turn out to be the psychological body blow it could have been.

Hunt, for his part, is now determined to help repay the show of faith from Hull by keeping the club up.

He said: "The chairman has been spot on. He has been honest with me every time something has happened and now we move on.

"It will be nice just to get back to football and put this behind me, though I never once let it affect me.

"If it had been affecting me, I would probably have scuffed the penalty against Wolves. But I wanted to take the penalty and make sure I scored."

Hunt's debut for the Tigers came against Chelsea on the opening day. His first-half goal put Hull ahead but the former Premier League champions came from behind to win with a late goal.

The 28-year-old, who was jeered by the Blues fans for his part in the serious head injury Petr Cech suffered against Reading in 2007, said: "We might need a little bit of luck.

"They are not top of the table for no reason. Chelsea are relentless week-in and week-out, and that is why they are top of the league.But, hopefully, we will get something from the game."

Tonight's game offers Chelsea a chance to extend their advantage at the top of the table to four points.

Once again, John Terry is likely to be in the spotlight following the weekend reports into his private life that have left Fabio Capello pondering whether to strip Terry of the England captaincy over his alleged affair with the former girlfriend of Three Lions team-mate Wayne Bridge.

Tigers assistant manager Brian Horton declined to comment on Terry beyond saying 'he is a good player'.

Winger Hunt was equally reticent, saying just: "It is easy to say that Chelsea have been brought together by all this, though they have been like that all season."

The Premier League leaders welcome back Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou following their return from African Cup of Nations duty with the Ivory Coast.

Last six games: Hull City LDLDLD; Chelsea WWWWWW.

Last time: Hull City 0 Chelsea 3; October 28, 2008; Premier League.

Referee: M Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear).