Mike Phelan: 'Important we didn't lose'

Hull City manager Mike Phelan has admitted that he took a cautious approach to this afternoon's Premier League clash with West Bromwich Albion.

The Tigers looked to be on course for an eighth defeat from their last nine league games when Gareth McAuley broke the deadlock at the KCOM Stadium, but Michael Dawson rescued a point for the home side.

The result leaves Hull still in the relegation zone, although they are now level on points with Crystal Palace and West Ham United in 16th and 17th respectively.

"It was important we didn't lose today especially when you come in off the back of a few defeats and possibly from my point of view we were a bit cautious," he told reporters.

"It's easy to say let's go gung-ho and throw loads of forwards on the pitch but I think they were value to for money first half we were value for money second half.

"These days there are always a 96 minutes of a game in the Premier League and if you don't stop crosses you will be punished."

Hull will host Newcastle United in the EFL Cup on Tuesday before returning to Premier League action against Middlesbrough a week on Monday.