Brown's Hull lie just three points above the Premier League relegation zone

Hull City manager Phil Brown has praised Stoke boss Tony Pulis following the Potters' 2-1 win at the KC Stadium on Saturday.

The result guaranteed that Stoke will be in the top flight next season, but extended the Tigers' poor run to just one win in 20 Premier League games.

"Tony's a winner, he's a good manager and he's done a great job this season," Brown told BBC Radio Stoke.

"When you're winning games like them, it's easier to maintain self-belief."

Goals from Ricardo Fuller and Liam Lawrence were enough to give Stoke only their second away win of the season.

"I think the difference between the two teams was the nerves," added Brown. "The first goal was very important."

The defeat leaves Hull just three points above the relegation zone, but that gap will be closed when the two teams immediately below them, Middlesbrough and Newcastle, play each other in the Tyne-Tees derby on Monday.

Hull's remaining Premier League fixtures are against Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United.

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