Gardner has survival tally in sights as Hammers game looms

The Tigers are embroiled in a fight for survival with last week's defeat at Blackburn Rovers meaning they are one of seven clubs separated by just four points.

With Portsmouth seeming doomed at the foot of the table, it means everyone from second bottom Bolton Wanderers up to Sunderland in 13th place are fighting to stay out of the bottom three.

Hull, who slipped to 17th following the defeat at Ewood Park, stayed up with 35 points last season but this time around a larger tally is likely to be required to stay in the top flight.

City captain Gardner said: "The quicker we get to 40 points, the happier I will be. It was a big missed opportunity at Blackburn, especially as a few of the teams around us won.

"But, apart from at Blackburn, our results have been good lately and if we can keep our recent form going then we will be okay.

"All we can focus on is our own jobs. If we do the business, we will be fine. There are plenty more games to play against those in and around us so we have to stay confident."

One of the clubs in Hull's sights are West Ham United, who host Phil Brown's men this Saturday. The Hammers are three places higher than the Tigers despite the two clubs having both earned 24 points this season and Gardner admits it is a big game.

He said: "West Ham won (last week at home to Birmingham City) but we believe we can go there and win.

"We did not play at the weekend, which allowed us to chill out with our families and get ourselves right. It is nice to have a break as the Premier League is physically very tough. We need our rest."

Gardner has started the last 17 league games for Hull to bring to an end a frustrating run of injury problems for the London-born defender.

After managing just six starts in the top flight last term following his 2.5m switch from Tottenham Hotspur, it represents a welcome change of fortune. He is, however, quick to deny the run represents his best in the game for a decade, as was recently claimed in the national media.

He said: "I am not sure about that statistic being right. But I am happy with how things are going. It is great to get a run in the side. It means I can concentrate on my form.

"I am looking forward to the final 12 games because it is going to be a big run-in."