Fagan is set to make his first start since having his leg broken by Guthrie in a horror tackle in September when the sides meet in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

Fagan spent three months on the sidelines after the incident at St James' Park before returning with two substitute appearances against Manchester City and Aston Villa over Christmas.

With manager Phil Brown now poised to make changes for the cup tie at the KC Stadium, Fagan is likely to start - but the 26-year-old insists there will be no hard feelings if he comes up against Guthrie.

Fagan said: "It happened, there is nothing I can do about it now.

"There is no point me going out there to do the same, it is not going to benefit me in any way.

"I just want to get back to the form of before I was injured.

"I know our fans won't give him the best of times but I just want to concentrate on my game."

Fagan marked his return to action with a consolation goal in the 5-1 thrashing at Manchester City.

"It's great to be back," added Fagan, who rejoined the club permanently from Derby last summer. "I feel good, sharper than I thought I would.

"I managed to get on at half-time against Manchester City, which was unexpected, and nick a goal.

"It was was great for myself but obviously it was a disappointing day for the team."

Hull will hope to use the cup tie to arrest a slump in form which has seen them lose their last three games.

The fall-out from their last defeat, 1-0 at home to Villa on Tuesday, continued to rumble yesterday as Hull demanded an explanation from the Premier League for Steve Bennett's late penalty volte-face.

Hull thought they had been given a lifeline when Bennett pointed to the spot for an apparent handball in stoppage time only for him to rescind the decision after consultation with his assistant.

It has since been suggested a third party may have influenced the final verdict after watching a replay and communicating via the officials' earpieces.

Hull accept the pair were correct not to award a penalty but have expressed concerns at how the decision was made.

Brown said: "You look at people's body languages and you look at the linesman, who was less than a yard away from Steve Bennett, and he wasn't talking to him - but he was listening to something.

"As far as I am concerned, something did go on in the 92nd minute that has affected the result of the game. No doubt in my mind."

The Premier League have dismissed any suggestion TV replays could have influenced the decision.

A spokesman said: "(Referees chief) Keith Hackett has spoken to Steve Bennett and the other match officials and what is absolutely clear is the decision was made between the assistant referee and the referee."