Phil Brown feels Hull are enjoying the benefits of Kevin Kilbane's experience after praising his versatility.
Tigers boss praises Ireland international's versatility
Phil Brown is confident Hull City are enjoying the benefits of Kevin Kilbane's experience after praising the Irishman's versatility.
Kilbane joined the Tigers in January from Wigan Athletic and has played in a string of positions for the club, most recently filling in at centre-half.
The 32-year-old is also set to win his 100th cap for the Republic of Ireland against Montenegro on Wednesday, with Brown believing the milestone is a testament to Kilbane's ability.
And Brown admits that he now envisages the former Sunderland midfielder playing an increasingly defensive-minded role at the KC Stadium.
Steely calmness
"Kevin has undoubtedly brought a steely calmness to our squad when it has mattered, his experience has been invaluable," Brown told the
Hull Daily Mail.
"We are seeing the fruits of a long career coming out and we're getting the benefit of it.
"The older you get, the slower you get, and supposedly, the further back you get - that has happened where Kevin's career is concerned.
"Because of how you can read the game better and play the 90 minutes in your head, he doesn't look out of place in three or four positions."
He added: "I see him more now in a defensive role, whether that's a sitting role in a midfield three or as a defender.
"He surprised everyone by how he's played as a centre-half, both at the end of last season and this year, but that's the value he brings.
"You look at someone like Giovanni Trapattoni, who has coached at the highest level for club and country, and he continues to stand by him."
