Aluko insists threatened Hull do not fear anyone

The Tigers are locked in a relegation scrap after a six-game winless run and sit just one place above the relegation zone.

Fears about possibly dropping into the Championship have been deepened by a run-in that sees Hull host Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United before the end of the season.

Steve Bruce’s men must also travel to Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur, leaving only the May 9 home clash with Burnley – who have a fine recent record against the East Yorkshire club – offering possible respite.

Despite that far from easy schedule, Aluko points to the club’s draws at Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal as proof they can rise to the challenge.

“We’re not fearful of anyone in this league,” said Aluko. “We have shown we can take points off any of the big teams.

“It is when we don’t perform that it is frustrating. Sometimes, we lose games ourselves, rather than teams beating us.

“We know we’ve got good players and if we play to our potential we will stay up. We just have to keep believing.”

Aluko, who returned to the starting line-up in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Southampton, added: “I wouldn’t say we are anxious. Being anxious won’t help anyone.

“We were brave and really went at Southampton and on another day one of our chances goes in. It would be a different game then.”