Hull's woes deepen with Hunt out for rest of season

The former Reading winger has not played since the 3-0 defeat by West Ham on February 20 but remains the Tigers' top scorer with six goals.

Saturday's woeful 4-1 defeat by Burnley left Iain Dowie's side four points from safety with five games remaining.

Republic of Ireland international Hunt had an exploratory operation on his foot on Mondday, which revealed further damage.

Dowie said: "It's a big blow. Whenever you lose your top goal scorer it's going to be a blow.

"Stephen couldn't settle down and the pain returned. The surgeon had a look at it and decided to pin a little bone in there.

"I spoke to him (yesterday morning) and he is bitterly disappointed."

Hunt's injury has meant Dowie has been unable to pick the

28-year-old since replacing Phil Brown last month.

The former Crystal Palace and Coventry chief has been hamstrung in his selections because of the Tigers' lengthy injury list.

Dowie did receive some good news when tests showed defender Andy Dawson, who was carried off in the second half against Burnley, suffered only bruising to his leg.

The 31-year-old could feature against Birmingham on Saturday but Hull will be without defenders Kamil Zayatte and Anthony Gardner, who may not play again this season because of knee and ankle problems, respectively.

"Hunt, Gardner and Zayatte have been great players for the team whenever I've seen Hull this season," added Dowie. "But we have to get on with things and we need some big players to step up to the plate against Birmingham on Saturday."

Fixtures

(7.45 unless stated)

Premier League: Aston Villa v Everton, Tottenham v Arsenal (8.00), Wigan v Portsmouth Blue Square Premier Altrincham v Stevenage

Scottish Premier: Dundee Utd v Rangers.

First Division: Airdrie Utd v Raith.

Second Division Stirling v Brechin (7.30) Third Division: Stranraer v Albion.

UniBond President's Cup final: Belper Town v Stamford.

UniBond Premier: Worksop v Boston Utd.