Steven Caulker has a point to prove against the men facing him tomorrow.

Reporter Phil Buckingham from the Hull Daily Mail remembers a number of the Tigers giving the new Hoops recruit a torrid time when Tigers thrashed Caulker’s Cardiff in February.

Hull won 4-0 that away day in south Wales when former Rs target Nikica Jelavic was among those on the scoresheet.

Jelavic is unlikely to feature at Loftus Road as he recovers full fitness from the World Cup with Croatia, but another who stuck one past Caulker and Cardiff will.

Tom Huddlestone is not the most mobile, but in every other respect he’s a gifted footballer,” Buckingham said. “He can pass long and short and is a pivot in Hull’s midfield.”

At the back, Curtis Davies is the rock on which Hull’s defence is founded. Loic Remy and Charlie Austin might hope the centre back has an off day.

Thou shall not pass: Curtis Davies

“There was a thought he might make England’s World Cup squad at one stage,” said the Mail man. “He’s not fazed by who he faces and had Luis Suarez under control when Hull beat Liverpool 3-1 last December.

“He’s quick on the turn and hardly put a foot wring last season.”

Thankfully for Caulker and company the third player identified by Buckingham will no longer be in London to torment the Hoops.

Shane Long didn't score against Caulker and Cardiff back in February but Buckingham remembers him doing a number on Caulker before he was subbed.

And if Buckingham's view is anything to go by it may well be a blessing in disguise.

He said: “Shane’s got these rapid quick feet that give all the pace a centre forward needs. He also has an infectious work rate that rubs off on the other players."

But Long joined Southampton yesterday in a £12m deal and will be hoping to get one over on Liverpool instead.