Bryan Hughes says the Tigers will use the incentive of going to the top of the league to spur them on against Barnsley tonight (KO 7.45pm).

City know that a win at Oakwell coupled with defeat for West Brom at Wolves will take them into first place.

"Going top is a massive incentive for everybody here," said Hughes.

"This is our game in hand and this is when you have to capitalise, especially with the position we're in at the moment.

"The last time we had a game in hand, against Colchester last month, we took full advantage so hopefully there will be a repeat performance against Barnsley."

Having drawn 1-1 against Queens Park Rangers at the weekend, Hughes is hoping the Tigers can put in a more fluent display against a Barnsley side that has won their last two games, both away from home.

"We're all looking forward to tonight. It was a disappointing performance on Saturday, but hopefully that's our last one for this season.

"We still got a point out of it, but we want to put the performance right tonight."

Hughes could be involved in the starting eleven this evening for the first time since early February with Henrik Pedersen a doubt because of a hamstring problem.

"No player likes to be sat on the bench when the team is doing well," added Hughes.

"You want to be involved, but it's a case of waiting for my chance. But I can't say too much because I want this team to do well as much as anybody.

"With the way the lads have performed during the last few weeks and with the goals we've been scoring, you can't ask for much more.

"We feel as though we're putting Hull City on the map. We've come through almost unnoticed and it's only now that people are starting to take note of the chance we've got."