Mike Phelan bemoaned Hull's defending from set pieces against West Brom before addressing the Samuel Eto'o rumours Mike Phelan bemoaned Hull's defending from set pieces against West Brom before addressing the Samuel Eto'o rumours

Mike Phelan admitted it would be an "unbelievable challenge" for Samuel Eto'o should the striker join Hull City.

The Hull boss was quizzed on a potential move for 35-year-old Eto'o following their 3-1 loss to West Brom, which leaves them down in 19th.

Eto'o, currently playing for Turkish side Antalyaspor, is a rumoured target for Hull as they search for firepower in their bid to avoid relegation.

Samuel Eto'o is currently playing for Turkish side Antalyaspor

Phelan joked that the former Barcelona striker would have to help defend as well, with Hull conceding 12 goals from set pieces so far this season.

"Can Samuel defend corners?" Phelan said. "I haven't heard anything, but it would be an unbelievable challenge if Samuel Eto'o wanted to come to Hull City.

"But that's the least of my worries. We have to look to improve in certain situations. Every position at this moment is up for grabs.

West Brom 3-1 Hull West Brom 3-1 Hull

"We've been trying to put things together and analyse other players to come in. And we're still trying.

"So if we can get some over the line then that would be great because everybody needs that bit of help."

Hull deservedly took the lead against West Brom through Robert Snodgrass, but after the break, headers from Chris Brunt and Gareth McAuley turned the game on its head.

Robert Snodgrass had given Hull the lead in the first half

Both efforts came from Matty Phillips corners, while a scrappy third from James Morrison heaped more misery on the Tigers.

"It's extremely deflating because we were good in the first half. We took the lead and looked comfortable," Phelan added.

"But all of a sudden it spun on its head because we don't do the basics. The basics are defending well at set pieces, and that has been our downfall.

West Brom boss Tony Pulis says a change to their tactics to match up against Hull was key to their victory West Brom boss Tony Pulis says a change to their tactics to match up against Hull was key to their victory

"There's despondency in not winning football matches, but in terms of their effort, and the way they go about their jobs day-to-day, it's as good as anything.

"I can't fault any of the players for that but we have to learn and grow up quickly at this level. You can't gift opponents the opportunities that we do. It's just impossible.

"We get suckered at times by individual mistakes when we shouldn't realty suffer. We're good at defending set pieces but at times we let ourselves down."