Hull plugging leaks with loan duo's aid

NIGEL PEARSON has hailed the impact of loanees Anthony Gerrard and Daniel Ayala for helping turn Hull City's defence into one of the meanest in the Championship.

Since the two loan signings were partnered at the heart of the back four earlier this month, Hull have kept three clean sheets in four games and claimed seven points.

The third of those shutouts came at Norwich City on Saturday when a defiant rearguard action laid the foundation for Hull's first away win in 31 attempts, achieved courtesy of late strikes by Robert Koren and Tom Cairney.

It is in stark contrast to Hull's first three away games of the season at Millwall, Doncaster Rovers and Cardiff where they shipped nine goals.

Now, as the Tigers prepare to travel to Burnley tonight, manager Pearson believes his temporary signings from Liverpool (Ayala) and Cardiff (Gerrard) deserve immense credit.

He said: "If you have got a solid foundation, it goes without saying that you have got a better chance of winning.

"The two centre-halves came out of the game with a lot of credit. I would be lying if I said I wouldn't have taken a 0-0 but you always hope that you might sneak one.

"We have got some good technicians in our side and you hope that if you keep it tight at the back then one of those players will come good."

Tonight's trip to Turf Moor pits the Tigers against one of the sides relegated with them from the Premier League last season.

It also provides a chance to exact revenge for the double that the Clarets claimed at the Yorkshire club's expense.

Brian Laws, in charge when Burnley triumphed 4-1 at the KC Stadium to all but send Hull down, said: "Hull have had a difficult time away from home but they picked up a first win on Saturday and will be buoyant."

Hull are likely to face Dean Marney for the first time since his 500,000 summer move from the KC Stadium to Turf Moor.

Last six games: Burnley LWLDWD, Hull City LLLWDW.

Last time: Burnley 2 Hull City 0; October 31, 2009; Premier League.

Referee: A Bates (Staffordshire).