TIGERS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE - BROWN

Brown's men are ahead of their target.

Phil Brown claims Hull are "ahead of schedule" as he prepares his high-flyers for their next Barclays Premier League outing against Tottenham on Sunday.

Hull continued their superb start to life in the top flight with a memorable and unexpected win at Arsenal last weekend.

The 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium has been hailed as the best result in the club's history, eclipsing even last season's play-off final victory over Bristol City.

The Tigers' form, which has earned them 11 points from six games, almost makes them favourites as they take on a Spurs side rooted to the foot of the table with just two.

Yet Brown will not entertain such an idea, expecting a Spurs side tipped to challenge the top four not so long ago to hit form soon.

Brown said: "We have set targets with the players and last week put us three points ahead of schedule.

"It has been a very interesting week in terms of how you see players react to important wins.

"Some players are easily excitable, others are not, but we have just seen the level of performance has gone up a notch in training.

"I don't know if we have won everyone over. All I know is we have got a job to do and we have got to do it to the best of our ability.

"There are pressures on players at Tottenham; the threat of relegation, the pressure of not performing, fans being disgruntled.

"There are pressures on their players but we have got to inflict pressure by playing to the best of our ability.

"They have proved in UEFA Cup ties they can win games and see teams off. It is the preparation for me, the mentality and preparation of our players that is going to be the most important."

Brown is hoping striker Marlon King can prove his fitness to participate after struggling all week with a back problem.

King, who scored both goals in last month's win at Newcastle, was rated as doubtful after being unable to participate in training on Friday.

Brown said: "He has come to the fore and is playing at the top of his game. It is one of them where we are trying to get him through the week and across the white line.

"If he can play some part that would be great because he is playing some good football for us."

Any further setbacks could see King, on a season-long loan from Wigan, miss out on a Jamaica return next week following his recall to the international set-up.

King was overlooked by former boss Reggae Boyz boss Rene Simoes but the Brazilian's sacking last month has led to a recall for this month's crucial World Cup qualifiers against Mexico and Honduras.

King was partnered at Arsenal last week by Gabon international Daniel Cousin, who notched the winning goal.

Cousin joined Hull from Rangers on transfer deadline day but his debut was delayed until the draw with Everton a fortnight ago because of a suspension.

The 31-year-old has since made a strong impression and is hoping to continue the good work against Tottenham.

Cousin said: "I am feeling great, I am feeling fine. My ambition is to score as many goals as possible and help the team stay in the Premier League.

"There is a great atmosphere in the team and they work very well together."

Cousin was close to joining Fulham in January but the move was scuppered by FIFA rules limiting players to appearing for no more than two clubs in one season.

Cousin, who had previously played for Lens, added: "It didn't happen but it doesn't matter now. I wanted to play in England so I am happy to be here."