Hull striker Caleb Folan has paid tribute to boss Phil Brown for helping guide the club to the Coca-Cola Championship play-off final.

That the Tigers are on the brink of sampling top-flight football for the first time since the club was formed 104 years ago is testament to the hard work of Brown and his coaching staff.

It is well documented Brown has transformed the side from relegation battlers only 12 months ago to promotion hopefuls. And Folan is full of praise for the charismatic 48-year-old former Derby boss as the build up to the clash against Bristol City begins in earnest.

"Joining here [from Wigan last August] and speaking to the manager, he just seemed so positive and that's what message he gets out to the players," said the former Leeds trainee, who has scored nine goals this season.

"He has a positive vibe and gets people to believe in themselves and that's what he drilled into our heads. He has the belief in the players and we've taken that and we've performed.

"He's given us confidence and if you have belief, confidence, heart and desire, you are always going to do well and that's what we've done."