Phil Brown admits Hull will have to stop one of the Premier League's best attacks if they are to take anything from Blackburn on Saturday.The Tigers, promoted to the top division for the first time in their history in last season's play-offs, defied the odds to claim three points against Fulham at the KC Stadium in their top-flight bow.
And, with a trip to Ewood Park to meet Blackburn coming Saturday, Brown insists they will have to be at the peak of their powers once again if they are to take something from their second match.
Rovers' Paraguay forward Roque Santa Cruz has been a reported target for Manchester United and was on target against Everton last week, but Brown is impressed by the sheer depths of their striking reserves.
"The bottom line with Blackburn is that they have a front line some of the top Premier League clubs would be envious of," he said.
"Of course, they are talking big, big money for (Roque) Santa Cruz .
"But Jason Roberts has been in the Premier League a long time now and he knows the situation, Benni McCarthy was their top scorer last year and couldn't get in the team last week and Matt Derbyshire is an England Under-21 international, who played here at the KC this week.
"So they really have a strike force to be reckoned with and we have to make sure we take care of that.
"But when we go forward we have to show what we can do too."
Brown also expects his side to be faced with a physical challenge from a Rovers side well known for their tenacious style.
In new signing George Boateng, though, he believes he has a player who can show the way.
"I expect nothing short of a battle," conceded Brown.
"Not just because of the Lancashire against Yorkshire thing but because Blackburn are renowned at Ewood Park for getting points because of their battling qualities.
"There is no way we can take the game easy, this is going to be a tough game.
"George is a slight doubt because he put his body on the line (against Fulham) and showed how much commitment is needed for an individual, never mind the collective.
"He went through the wars, was almost carried off twice and that's testament to the commitment he showed us."
If Boateng fails to shake off the thigh injury which he picked up against the Cottagers it could open the door for fellow midfielder Dean Marney, who found himself outside the starting XI for last week's historic win.
"That's the way football goes," said Marney.
"People are brought in for a reason and it is down to me to work as hard as I possibly can. I feel I'm in good shape and when I get the chance I'm ready to take it.
"If George is injured I'm ready, but I don't want to rely on people getting injured to get into the team.
"I want to be there on merit, but if it comes because someone is out then it's up to me to keep them out of team.
"I know I'm ready and I'm in really good shape."
