Hull City 0 Derby County 1: Tigers linked with goalkeeper Harper as Rams grab win

Robinson fired home his seventh goal of the season inside the first minute of the second half and Derby defended doggedly thereafter to condemn Hull to a third consecutive 1-0 defeat.

Barmby, who said questions about his own future would be “put on the back-burner” as Hull attempt to bolster their ranks, claimed the sticky patch of results would provide a “test of character” for his young team.

“At half-time we told the players that Derby had come to frustrate us, but we were done by a sucker punch,” Barmby said.

“They scored the goal and then parked the bus, but all credit to them as they did it well.

“Our passing wasn’t fluid and we didn’t create too many chances.

“Our reputation’s out there as a good passing side, but we’ve got to make things happen.

“We’ve got to work harder off the ball and have good movement. We’re going through a little bit of bad luck and we’re not a million miles away.”

Hull have been linked with a move for Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper, and Barmby said: “A goalie will definitely come in.”

However, he added that any incoming signings would have to fit into Hull’s passing game.

“We know our targets but we know the way we want to play,” he said.

“If I stay in charge we certainly won’t be playing direct, but fresh faces will come in.”

Hull rejected a bid from Leicester for winger Cameron Stewart on New Year’s Day, but Barmby said: “I wouldn’t even call it a real bid (for Stewart).

“It would take an awful lot of money to take any of those lads out of the door.”

Jack Hobbs fired a right-footed shot straight at Derby goalkeeper Frank Fielding before Fielding produced a sprawling save to deny Matty Fryatt as Hull edged a dreary first half.

However, Robinson gave the visitors the lead 43 seconds after the break.

The Derby striker, after failing to connect with his first attempt, slid a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner as Hull made a mess of clearing their lines.

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Paul Green curled a right-footed shot just wide from 20 yards as the visiting Rams pressed for a second.

The hosts dominated possession late on, but Fielding smothered Robert Koren’s low drive and a determined defensive display ensured Derby protected their lead with ease.

Hull City: Basso, Rosenior, Hobbs, Chester, Dawson, Evans, McKenna (Cairney 77), Mclean (Brady 60), Koren, Stewart, Fryatt. Unused substitutes: Dudgeon, Garcia, Cooper.

Derby County: Fielding, Brayford, Barker, Shackell, Roberts, Green, Bryson, Bailey, Ward (Buxton 90), Robinson (Priskin 82), Ball (Ben Davies 66). Unused substitutes: Legzdins, Doyle.

Referee: P Gibbs (West Midlands).