Phil Brown had struggled to find a replacement for the long-standing captain, who is out until March with a serious knee injury, but the Tigers manager has now settled on home-town favourite Barmby.

Four different captains were tested before Brown decided on Barmby for the 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic at the KC Stadium, but Ashbee thinks he has made a good call.

"Nick is a local boy who understands the city and the people," Ashbee said.

"He's a good player, he's got respect in the dressing room and for me, he was the easy choice.

"It's difficult when the gaffer brings in leaders from other clubs, you don't get to know them until you actually meet them.

"It was a difficult one for him but it looks like he's settled on Nick and I'm sure he's made the right choice."