Hull City manager Liam Rosenior has spoken of his admiration and respect for Nigel Pearson ahead of Saturday's game by describing his experienced counterpart as a "fantastic man and an outstanding manager".
Pearson signed the former Bristol City academy product as a player on an initial short-term deal in October 2010 when he was manager of Hull. He became an important player under the City boss with Rosenior spending just under five years on Humberside.
The duo also worked together while Pearson was working as a coach for the England Under-21s in 2007 but this represents the first time they have come up against each other as managers. Rosenior, 38, has impressed since his appointment in November, winning five and losing four of his 16 games in charge to steer them away from the bottom three and into 13th.
Speaking ahead of the league contest, Rosenior praised the work Pearson is doing and spoke about the task at hand in a bid to halt City's unbeaten run which stretches to 11 matches. He said in his press conference: "I've got huge respect for Nigel. He's a fantastic man and an outstanding manager.
"They're a hard-working team and look to play football the right way. He's a good man and I can't wait to see him. It's a fantastic football club.
"It's going to be a very difficult game. I don't think they'll set-up to stop us. We're playing against a very good team in very good form. I'm really looking forward to seeing how we do and hopefully, it'll be a game the supporters enjoy."
Hull head into the game on the back of three games without a victory having drawn 0-0 at home to Preston in their last outing. The reverse fixture, which was the opening game of the campaign, ended in a 2-1 defeat for City when Shota Arveladze was in charge.
Rosenior emerged through City's academy at the start of the 2000s, making his debut in April 2002, when he was just 17, under Danny Wilson. The highlight of his 29 appearances was unquestionably scoring the second goal in the Robins 2-0 triumph over Carlisle United in the final of the 2003 LDV Vans Trophy at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
He left for Fulham six months later, following a messy contract dispute and went on to enjoy a fine career, most notably in west London, Reading, Hull and Brighton & Hove Albion before moving into coaching with Derby County and now the Tigers.
The visitors will be boosted at Ashton Gate by the return of attacking midfielder Adama Traore who could make his long-awaited debut following his summer move. The Mali international tore his hamstring following his arrival but has recovered to make the trip to BS3.
Rosenior added on his team selection: "Adama Traore will be involved in the squad. He played a big part on Tuesday in our behind-closed-doors game (against Manchester City), and he'll definitely be involved in the squad.
"He's not match-fit, but he's fit enough to be in the squad and he'll definitely travel down with us to Bristol. We've got a few knocks and niggles which is normal at this stage of the season. Aaron (Connolly) is so frustrated but he loves it here. Hopefully, he's back sooner rather than later.
"He's (Allahyar Sayyadmanesh) training fully now. I won't risk him for short-term benefit. I have a discussion with the medical staff about him next week. He won't be available for Saturday. Hopefully, when he comes back he stays fit."
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