Hull City v Middlesbrough: Tigers urged to finish run-in with winning flourish

The Tigers go into today’s game with Middlesbrough on the back of an impressive run of form that has propelled the club to within touching distance of the top six.

As pleased as Pearson is, however, with a record of just five defeats in 27 outings, he knows that his side must finish strongly if they are to gatecrash the play-off places.

He said: “The other results went for us (last weekend when City beat Doncaster 3-1) but I am conscious that we are still, to a certain extent, reliant on what happens elsewhere.

“Ultimately, with four games left, what we have to do is win them all. It is going to be tough but we will try to do that.”

Pearson, who finished his playing career with a successful four-year spell at the Riverside Stadium, added: “We want to try and put the pressure on the teams above us but this is going to be another tough game.

“Middlesbrough will want to finish the season with a bit of momentum because I would imagine they feel that this has been a disappointing campaign.

“Tony Mowbray has also started to put his identity on the side and for them it will be important to have some momentum going into next season.

“It will be interesting to see whether or not they play two up front, but they certainly have players who are capable of being a danger.

“We will have to concentrate on ourselves and make sure we have another positive performance. The three points are crucial to us.”

Hull, whose captain Andy Dawson is due to make his 500th career appearance today, take on a Boro outfit still smarting from a 3-1 defeat at Burnley in midweek.

Mowbray, who could give a run-out to a couple of youngsters, does not believe the Turf Moor loss will be a factor today, instead hoping his side can capitalise on City’s indifferent home form.

He said: “We will go there and be positive and try to make it a good day for our fans and get the three points.

“They have had a great run away from home but at home, they have lost one or two. It will be an interesting game.”