Hull await news on Bullard knee scare

Bullard joined the Tigers during the January transfer window from Fulham for £5 million, but are now sweating over his fitness after he sustained a knee injury in the 2-0 defeat at West Ham last week.

He subsequently missed the 2-2 draw with West Brom on Saturday, and has now sent the results of his scan to American specialist Dr Richard Steadman, who aided in his recovery from the horrific knee injury he picked up as a Fulham player at Newcastle in 2006.

"Jimmy's had the scans and they've been transported over to America for an opinion on them,” said Hull manager Phil Brown.

"Jimmy's got a relationship going with the guy and to get it from him would probably ease the tension. We've said it's a fresh injury and we want that confirming by the guy who did the operation.

"There's a little bit of anxiety with it being on the same leg as a big operation 18 months ago. We've alleviated that concern by finding out it's a new injury, which does relax you a wee bit."

And Chairman Paul Duffen was equally confident that their club record signing would not be sidelined for long.

"Jimmy is completely stable, it is not the same injury as 18 months ago and the worst case scenario is that he will be out 10 days to two weeks," he said. "That means he will be available to return in time to play Tottenham.

"Even if he does need an operation, it will only be to trim a ligament like Bernard Mendy had earlier in the season."