SCOTT Parker explained his decision to start Chris Mepham over Gary Cahill to face Hull City was purely a selection decision, and not related to any injury.

Cahill was one of three players to drop out the side that lost at Luton Town the previous weekend.

Wales international Mepham was instead chosen to partner Lloyd Kelly.

However, Mepham was withdrawn around five minutes before half-time due to a hamstring problem.

Cahill was introduced but struggled early in the second half, requiring treatment.

However, the 35-year-old did play the full 90 minutes of the 1-0 loss to Grant McCann's Tigers.

Asked if Cahill was carrying a knock coming into the game, Parker told the Daily Echo: "Obviously I went with Meps (on Saturday).

"It is obviously disappointing that Meps didn’t last and then Gaz had a little bit of a tight hip flexor as the game was going on.

"So that was the reason. It was a shame that Meps came off, but this is where we are currently."