Character-driven Hull have quality to survive

The Tigers have given their survival hopes a major boost by claiming back-to-back wins over Crystal Palace and Liverpool.

Four points – or effectively five when goal difference is taken into account – now separates City from Sunderland in the final relegation place.

And while Rosenior – whose return to the side after a four-month injury absence has come in those two recent triumphs – admits there is still work to do, there is an unmistakable sense in the east Riding that Hull are on course for an unprecedented third consecutive season in the top flight.

“We are all delighted,” said Rosenior, who after Paul McShane is the club’s longest-serving player. “A lot has been said about us this season but I have been here for five years and been among this group of lads, and I never had any doubts that we would drag ourselves out of trouble.

“The character is there for all to see.

“But it isn’t just character that we have. There are quality players at this club.

“I am delighted they have been able to show under such extreme pressure just what good players they are.

“Hopefully, with three more home games to come, we can get a couple more wins.”

Rosenior, a late substitute as Steve Bruce’s men saw out the game, was one of seven City players on the pitch against Liverpool who had played for the club in the Championship.

He moved to the KC Stadium early in the 2010-11 campaign and has since gone on to become a big favourite.

“The three points were important,” he added. “But it wasn’t just that we won. It was the style we played with against Liverpool.

“When you are under pressure and down there, teams tend to kick and fight and scrap to get a 1-0 win.

“But our performance levels were great and that bodes well for the future. I thought the lads were fantastic.

“Robbie Brady was outstanding. It was the same through the team with Tom Huddlestone, James Chester and Jake Livermore all the same.

“Stephen Quinn has come in the team and done brilliantly well. Paul McShane is another.

“These are all lads who have been in the Championship and know how hard it is to get into the Premier League.

“Just look at the Championship this year.

“It has been tough. That is why it helps.

“I look around the dressing room and I see what kind of lads we have got and where they have been.

“Everyone is desperate not to go back down there. I have been back down before and it is so difficult to get back to this level. I honestly believe that has been a factor in us getting a couple of wins.

“It has been great for us to have that motivation and, hopefully, we can get a few more points on the board and stay in the Premier League.”

City will be following the weekend’s fixtures closely, hoping that their rivals can slip-up while they wait to host Arsenal on Monday night at the KC.

After that meeting with the Gunners, Hull then host Burnley the following Saturday before heading to Tottenham Hotspur a week later.

Manchester United’s visit to Yorkshire will then round off what, on paper, is by far the toughest run-in of any side scrapping for their lives.

“There is still work to do,” said Rosenior, whose recent absence was due to a torn hamstring. “It is not over yet.

“But we have gone a long way towards securing our status.

“That said, we cannot afford to be complacent.

“We are in Wednesday morning, there are no days off.

“We are professional and we now need to make sure we stay in this league.”

Rosenior’s last appearance before the weekend win at Palace had come at home to Everton on New Year’s Day.

He added: “The four months out were very frustrating. I always want to play and be a part of things. but if we stay up then maybe I can make up for it next season and kick on.

“The main thing, though, is we have got a couple of results with some great performances.

“I was delighted for Sone (Aluko) and Dame (N’Doye) up front. They are quality. It is the same through the squad.

“Paul McShane was out for three months this season but has been back in for two months and probably been our best player.

“We have quality running through the squad and lads who want to prove they are Premier League players. There are so many under-rated players here.”