Ince believes Hull’s strength in depth will help them cope

Ince, who joined the Tigers from Blackpool this summer, is considered one of the brightest young talents in the country.

The 22-year-old was named the Football League Young Player of the Year in 2013 after scoring 18 goals for Blackpool in the Championship.

Ince spent five months on loan at Crystal Palace last season, but struggled to establish himself under Tony Pulis and made only five league starts.

“It’s vital for me that I settle here at Hull, these are a couple of big years for me,” said Ince.

“When I got off the phone with Steve Bruce and met the people here and the rest of the lads I knew it was the place for me to be.

“Now I can find my feet, enjoy a good Premier League season and I have personal ambitions for myself.

“I want to score goals in the Premier League and prove to people and myself that I can mix it in this league.

“It’s early days but it’s a 38-game season – even more with the Europa League – so hopefully there will be plenty of chances for me to show what I can do.”

Hull have so far brought in five players this summer, four of whom are British.

As well as Ince, Jake Livermore, 24, Robert Snodgrass, 26, and Andrew Robertson, 20, have all arrived at the KC Stadium.

“It shows the route we are going down – we are bringing through young British players to come in and work hard,” said Ince.

“When you look beyond the pitch you have to have a strong togetherness and we have that in the dressing room.

“We look after each other and the gaffer has brought in some good players.

“Andy Robertson has come from Dundee, he is only 20 years old and he has done fantastic.”

Bruce’s side began the Premier League campaign with a 1-0 victory at QPR on Saturday thanks to James Chester’s second-half header.

Hull finished four points clear of the relegation places last term, but may find it harder this season given their involvement in the arduous Europa League, a product of them reaching last year’s FA Cup final.

The Tigers travel to Belgium to play KSC Lokeren tomorrow in the first leg of a qualification play-off tie, before returning to host Stoke on Sunday.

“We have great depth in this team now because we know we are going to be fighting on a lot of fronts,” said Ince.

“To be in that tournament with this club is massive, it’s the first time in their history.

“We play a strong Belgian side on Thursday but we have strength in depth and ability in all areas.

Ince added: “It’s massive to mix it with the big boys and against the big teams.

“To play in Europe, Champions League or Europa League, is a fantastic opportunity.”

Goalscorer Scott Arfield is convinced Burnley’s performance in their season-opening loss to Chelsea bodes well for the campaign.

The promoted Clarets are among the favourites for relegation from the Premier League, but former Huddersfield Town player Arfield believes they gave a good account of themselves against one of the leading title contenders.

Sean Dyche’s men showed plenty of enthusiasm in the early stages at Turf Moor and took a 14th-minute lead through Arfield, only for the Blues to roar back and effectively wrap up a 3-1 win before half-time.

The 25-year-old Scot said: “To play against a top-quality team like that we knew it would be a tough game. It was there to see what top players they are and what a top team they are.

“We got an early goal, but even after that we were under no illusions as to how tough it was going to be.

“There are definitely positives to take out of it. For us it is still a case of taking one game at a time and there is no disappointment, regardless of this result.

“We’re on to the next game now. With the fans behind us anything can happen.”

Arfield savoured his own moment of glory as his crisp strike from the edge of the box flew past Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Life has certainly changed quickly for the Scotland B international. Just over a year ago he was released by Huddersfield and when he joined Burnley they were expected to struggle in the Championship.

Arfield said: “I’ve waited a long time to play in the top division and I enjoyed it.

“On a personal level that was different class and my family were down here from Scotland to see it too.”