Phil Brown wants the Tigers' quest for promotion to gain added momentum when they come up against a side he has labelled as 'next season's promotion favourites'.

A new manager and fresh financial investment have helped Queens Park Rangers to climb away from the danger zone with many bookies already installing them as favourites to gain promotion next season.

Brown knows his side are in for a difficult afternoon at the KC Stadium but is very much looking forward to a return to action after a fortnight without a game.

"This will be a really difficult game and a tough test for us," said Brown.

"It sounds crazy, but I'm looking at QPR as the pre-season favourites to go up automatically next year.

"With that in mind, I think their players will be playing for new contracts and playing to impress the manager ahead of next season.

"They will want to be on that bandwagon. I've seen them play and they have some good players. They have some match-winners in their team, so it will be tough but we have to stand up to that.

"We're looking forward to getting back into action. As I've said earlier in the week, the two-week break was a blessing for us because we would have had to make four or five changes had there been a game last weekend.

"However, the four or five players who would have been doubtful are now back to full fitness."

Brown has seen his side drop one place to fourth in the table since their last game and he admits he's been keeping his eye on what the teams around City have been doing.

"I was at Stoke's game on Monday and then the Sheffield derby on Tuesday. When I left there, West Brom were 1-0 down but unfortunately they then scored three in the last ten minutes.

"But Barnsley beating Watford 3-0 on Wednesday was probably the result of the season.

"You keep you're eye on other results, you wouldn't be doing your job properly if you didn't.

"But we know what's at stake and it's in our hands, none more so than on Saturday.

"With teams at the top end playing each other again this weekend, who knows what could happen with a victory for us."

The game against QPR will also see Damien Delaney make his first return to the KC Stadium since leaving in January.

Delaney spent five-and-a-half years with the Tigers, helping the club to two promotions, and Brown looking forward to seeing his former defender again.

"I'm looking forward to seeing Damien again and he's a good, solid character.

"He did nothing but good for Hull City and we wished him nothing but the best when he moved on.

"I don't want this to sound wrong, but if he's playing on Saturday I hope he has a nightmare!

"I'm sure we'll share a joke and a drink after the game, but hopefully that will be after a home win!"