HULL CITY: No rush for Cairney talks

PHIL Brown admits Tom Cairney's rise into the Hull City first team will eventually lead to talks over the rookie's long-term future.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a seamless introduction to Premier League life, stealing the show in his first two starts against Wolves and Chelsea this week.

Praise has since come from all quarters with veteran midfield team-mate George Boateng tipping Cairney as a future England international.

An existing contract has the teenager tied to the KC Stadium for another 18 months, but Brown accepts he wants Cairney's future to remain with the Tigers.

"Would I be interested in sitting down with Tom to discuss his future? Of course I would," said Brown.

"But that's something that we can take our time on, his contract runs until 2011.

"You look at Tom and he doesn't look like the type of player who needs to have his feet kept on the ground at the moment. He's taking it all in his stride."

"Tom has got a long-term future in the game and fingers crossed that will be with Hull City."

Brown appears keen to play down excitement over Cairney, preferring to see the midfielder retain focus only on football.

An unforgettable first week in the Premier League, that started with his debut against Wolves seven days ago, was set to continue with the visit of big-spending Manchester City today.

Brown, who has also blooded 17-year-olds Liam Cooper and Mark Cullen in the last five months, is pleased to see homegrown products emerging into his first-team plans.

Brown added: "You look at Tom and then there's the likes of Liam Cooper and Mark Cullen, you've got three players knocking on the door of the first team.

"It's something we've been keen to see happening throughout my time here and it's pleasing to see homegrown lads pushing through.

"The future of the football club is looking a lot more healthy than it ever has done for a long time."

CITY'S FA Youth Cup fifth round tie with Crystal Palace has been rearranged for Thursday, 11 February (7pm) at North Ferriby.

The original fixture was postponed due to a frozen pitch on Wednesday.

City and Palace will battle it out for a quarter-final away at Newcastle after they overcame West Ham United 3-0 this week.