Hurst also defended his decision not to call on some of his more creative players as they chased the game.

Loan players Tommi O’Reilly and Charles Sagoe Jr, on loan from Aston Villa and Arsenal respectively, were left on the bench, but Hurst says he felt it was right to leave the 20-year-olds out.

“I didn’t think it was a day to set them up. Neither would help us from set pieces and I just didn’t think it was that kind of game for them,” Hurst said.

“If any of these players were the best on the training pitch every day, I would find it harder to leave people out.

“It’s not just these two, and there’s nothing personal here, I’m picking a team that I think gives us the best chance of getting a result.

“We’re obviously on the wrong side of the table. It was potentially a difficult place for young players to come and play football.

“Ultimately I see things throughout the week that some people don’t witness and I’ve had that at different times in my managerial career when all of a sudden players who aren’t on the ground are becoming much better than those on it and that’s not a good sign.”