Hull boss Nigel Pearson admitted there was an air of disappointment in his camp after Saturday's clash against the Canaries.

The Tigers still have hopes of snatching a play-off place, for which they are going to need every point, and with Watford, Leicester and Nottingham Forest dropping points the draw was enough to improve their position, even if Reading did win.

But Pearson believes it could have been better.

'I think we did a really good job of stifling them and still create enough chances, but we didn't take them,' he said.

'There is an air of disappointment that we didn't win it, but we had our moments and when you go behind in that fashion, it's good to get a point.

'It was always going to be a very tight game.

'It was a bit of a frustrating game because we have had good chances and until the game opened up in the last 15 minutes when we are trying to win it, I don't think they have created a chance. It's one of those games.'

Hull's equaliser came through 37-year-old sub Nicky Barmby - and Pearson insist that the former England international's age is no concern.

'If he plays the same role that he has played all season I will be very, very pleased,' he said. 'He has an impact and it doesn't matter how old they are, while players are able to have an impact on games then the age doesn't really matter. He is a fit lad, physically he is still fit, mentally he is as hungry for success as anybody and I think that speaks volumes for him.'

While the Hull supporters were delighted with Barmby's contribution, they were less enthusiastic towards the man he replaced, midfielder James Harper, who missed an absolute sitter towards the end of the first half and had to endure ironic cheers when the change was made on the hour mark.

'I know there is a debate on this one,' said Pearson. 'Harps, for whatever people think of him, is valued by me as a manager, he is valued by the players. The only way to get round that is to win people back. The reaction of the fans will not stop me from picking him if I think he is right for the team, so unfortunately today he misses a chance. Does that have an effect on him? I don't know.

'My job is to continue to pick the side I think is best to win any game and the spirit within the camp is good, the spirit amongst the players is very, very good and James Harper has been a massive part of us getting back into a competitive position in the league.'

If there was another individual under scrutiny it was goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who came way out of his goal, but failed to claim David Fox's free-kick, which was perfect for Zak Whitbread to head home.

'I am not going to talk about individuals,' said Pearson. 'When mistakes happen in games it is a shame that they cost you goals. I think it was always going to be a fairly tight game. We have had our chances to go in front and our chances to equalise once they've scored the goal.'