Faye proving age is no barrier back in top flight with Tigers

But not the veteran Senegalese defender who, after helping Hull City to promotion, has clocked up three games without conceding a goal since stepping in to replace the injured James Chester.

“Some people are surprised I am starting,” said the 35-year-old as the Hull squad take a well-earned rest at the start of the international break. “But I know my body and know myself.

“Last year, I had a good season and I am very proud that the gaffer has confidence in playing me after I left West Ham. I just like to do my job every time I play.

“I didn’t get a (Premier League) chance at West Ham and am very proud to have one here. I feel I deserved it here and I have to keep going to stay in the side.”

Faye’s release by the Hammers in the summer of 2012 came as a big blow. He had been a mainstay of the team that had clinched an instant return to the Premier League and was looking forward to a return to a stage he had graced 163 times in the colours of Bolton, Newcastle and Stoke City.

Those hopes were quickly dashed by Allardyce’s desire to go with youth. Faye bears no grudges, not least because his former manager from Bolton and Newcastle helped smooth a move to Hull by telling Steve Bruce exactly what he would be getting if the defender joined the Tigers.

He said: “With my body and health, I don’t look like 35. It is more like 25. I am fit this year and I am working hard every day.

“I don’t go out a lot and stay at home and do my job all the time.

“I eat good food and just stay at home and look after my family. This is my secret.”

Faye’s two Premier League appearances – his first game of the season was the Capital One Cup win over Huddersfield Town – have seen Hull claim four points from a 1-0 win over West Ham and Saturday’s goalless draw at home to Aston Villa.

The two shutouts have helped Hull to 11 points from seven games and eighth place in the table.

Faye added: “Everyone is surprised how well we are playing defensively. But we have a good manager who is very clever and professional.

“We have very good players and are very strong and keep going, and I think this year we have a chance of a good season.

“Because the gaffer is an ex-defender, he knows what we need to do and is a big professional. We have been very organised.

“Maybe the Villa game was a little bit frustrating. But I still think it was a good result against a very good team with young players, who were confident after beating Manchester City. They are an exciting team.

“We were very organised and I enjoyed playing with Curtis (Davies). He is a very good guy and strong and powerful and very quick. This season, he has been the best player.

“As a guy he is very generous and as a player he is very physical.

“I like him; he’s a good guy and very good player. I have a good partnership with Curtis.”