TIGER'S assistant manager Brian Horton today paid tribute to centre half Wayne Brown's courage and determination.His words came after the former Ipswich Town and Colchester United defender helped Hull to the Premier League for the first time in their 104-year history following their 1-0 Coca-Cola Championship play-off final victory at Wembley on Saturday.

Derek Davis

TIGER'S assistant manager Brian Horton today paid tribute to centre half Wayne Brown's courage and determination.

His words came after the former Ipswich Town and Colchester United defender helped Hull to the Premier League for the first time in their 104-year history following their 1-0 Coca-Cola Championship play-off final victory at Wembley on Saturday.

Brown needed painkilling injections - and a faith healer - on a calf injury to get him through the final against Bristol City and Horton praised Brown's inspirational example.

Horton said: “Wayne has not trained since the last game against Watford, but he is a true professional and wanted to play.

“He showed some real grit and determination to stay on there.”

Brown was instrumental in Hull keeping Bristol's attack led by Dele Adebola and Lee Trundle at bay, including a magnificent block to head clear a Michael McIndoe free kick.

Horton said: “We had to defend very well and we got another clean sheet.

“Clean sheets are vital because you can build on that.

“Right through the season Wayne has been tremendous, they all have. The defence has been solid. We looked a strong team at 4-4-2

Horton also had a special word of praise for match-winner Dean Windass who he released from Hull as an 18-year-old during his stint as manager.

Windass admitted it was the jolt he needed at that time of his a career and at 37 returned to Hull a better player, underlined by his stunning volley to win the match.

Horton said: “He is a great lad to work with and has always had that quality. I'm very pleased for him.

“Frazier Campbell has shown great composure to dink the ball back and that was some finish.”

The usually volatile Horton, who managed Jim Magilton at Oxford United, tipped Hull boss to go on to even better things, even though the two had a touchline spat involving the fourth official Phil Dowd.

Horton said: “We had a little tiff which we usually do. I was trying to calm him down.

“Phil has beaten my record by finishing sixth and getting to Wembley and now into the Premier League.

“I went there twice as a player and then as a manager with Man City. Now Phil has the opportunity. Here also said it was his dream and he deserves it.

“He is excellent to work with and he has a very big future ahead of him.”