Assistant manager Horton dismissed the spat between the pair, which occurred on a training camp in North Yorkshire, as a "tete-a-tete" and insisted the squad had already moved on.

Reports surfaced during the week of a falling out between loan star King, who has been a mainstay of the Tigers' impressive start to the campaign, and local hero Windass, who has found himself on the periphery since scoring the goal which secured top-flight football for the side last season.

But Horton believes the severity of the incident has been overstated.

He would not confirm whether the forwards had, as reported, been fined for their involvement but revealed the pair were back in training together yesterday.

"It was a little tete-a-tete, nothing that can't be dealt with in-house and it has been," he said.

"They've played together and spoken together yesterday morning, it's the kind of thing that has happened 100 times in football and it's over now.

"We've spoken to them and it's done and dusted. It hasn't spoiled the spirit because we won't allow it to.

"We always have a good mood around training but it's always better when you're winning. When you're losing you need to get back to basics - as a coach, even more."

Windass has been involved just twice in the Barclays Premier League this season, on both occasions from the bench, but King will be sweating on his place in the starting line-up against Manchester City tomorrow, with Caleb Folan ready to step in alongside Daniel Cousin if needed.

Horton has fond memories of his time in charge of City from 1993 to 1995, admitting it was the peak of his coaching career.

He regrets his departure, which came with Francis Lee's takeover, but is unconcerned about the future of current City boss Mark Hughes

There have been suggestions the club's Abu Dhabi-based owners are preparing to replace Hughes, despite their proclamations to the contrary.

But, whatever happens at City, Horton's focus remains on keeping Hull on track.

"Obviously I was there for two years and I enjoyed my time there. It wasn't like I got the sack for getting relegated, which they did the next year. I got a good side together, got some good players and the fans enjoyed it," he said.

"It was the pinnacle of my career. To manage there was fantastic.

"They've said Mark can have money in the transfer window, they've said he's the man to take them there. That's their statement. Our statement is that we want to go and take three points off him.

"It's a game we do need to win and it's a game they need to win.

"There is pressure from both sides but pressure is what you make it. It's a test, of course it's a test, but we're not unduly concerned."