Hull City assistant manager Steve Agnew has insisted that Thomas Ince has a long-term future at the KC Stadium, despite being sent out on loan.

The 22-year-old, who turned down Inter Milan to sign for the Tigers in the summer, joined Nottingham Forest yesterday on a loan deal that will run until the end of December.

"He is a top player, an exciting player and one we're looking forward to working with for a good number of years," Agnew said in this morning's press conference. "He hasn't played as much football as we would have liked so Steve [Bruce] has agreed with Nottingham Forest to take him on loan until January."

Ince has made eight appearances in all competitions for Hull this season.