Video: Return of Bullard will be key to Tigers' prospects of beating drop, says Brown

New signing Amr Zaki plus midfielders Jimmy Bullard and Seyi Olofinjana may be in contention at the KC Stadium.

Egyptian international Zaki joined the club on loan last week but was short of the match fitness required to make his debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

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England international Bullard has not played since damaging knee ligaments at Aston Villa last month and Olofinjana is away on African Nations Cup duty with Nigeria.

Manager Phil Brown confirmed that Bullard, who made such a massive difference to the Tigers during a four-game return from injury in November, is on the brink of a comeback.

Olofinjana will be available if Nigeria lose tonight against quarter-final opponents Zambia.

Brown believes that Bullard is as important to Hull's survival prospects as England striker Wayne Rooney is to Manchester United's title challenge.

Speaking after Rooney's four goals, Brown said: "I am optimistic that Jimmy will play some part in the Wolves game. When he comes back it will have an impact on players around him because of his exuberance.

"It is exactly the same as the likes of Wayne Rooney gives to the United team," he added. "When Jimmy played for us two or three months ago that was the reason we were winning and creating chances and we need that to come back to the table. For me, Jimmy Bullard is going to be key to our season."

Hull defender Anthony Gardner is glad to see the back of Rooney after the England striker took his tally of goals to six in two games against the Tigers this season.

"He does make it hard," admitted Gardner. "But as an England fan, and with the World Cup coming up, I am just glad that he is English and I hope he does the business out there."

Rooney has scored 20 goals in all competition for United this season and is closing in on his personal best tally of 23 goals.

"He is cutting through teams week-in, week-out," said Gardner. "He has all the attributes. He has great feet, great awareness, pace and he is strong on the ball.

"He is hard to mark because he goes deep and is a kind of floating striker. When he goes in the hole you can't pick him up and it can disturb where you are on the pitch. He takes you where you don't want to go."