Relieved Graham thanks Bruce for his faith

The Geordie forward’s previous goal came for the Swans in January, with his barren streak encompassing spells at three teams, Swansea, Hull and parent club Sunderland.

Out of respect for his former side, Graham elected not to celebrate after netting early on in the Tigers’ 1-1 draw at the Liberty Stadium - even though he felt like he wanted to ‘go crazy’ after his tortuous run finally ended.

Graham, on a season-long loan from Wearside, is hoping his strike is the precursor to a run of goals and after waiting so long to find the net, he is desperate to acquaint himself with that feeling in the coming weeks.

The 28-year-old admits he has done plenty of soul-searching during his lamentable sequence and has dedicated his goal to his team-mates, coaching staff, manager and supporters. And he has reserved particular tribute to Hull boss Steve Bruce for keeping faith with him.

He said: “It’s a great relief. As a forward, you are judged on goals and it had been a very long time without one. The monkey is off my back now and hopefully I can go on a run and it will be first of many at Hull City.

“At times, it does affect you when you go so long as a forward (without a goal). People are judging you left, right and centre. But you have to stay strong and keep your head down and work hard.

“I’ve had great support not just from the team, but from the players and my family. It helped me along the way.

“The boys have been behind me and the fans have been great with me as have the gaffer, coaching staff and everyone involved with Hull City. So I’d like to thank them and dedicate the goal to them.

“From the moment I walked through the door, the gaffer has been superb. He keeps telling me how good a player I am and that the goals will come.

“It was hard not to celebrate, but it was always the plan. I had a great time at Swansea and a great relationship with the players and fans alike.

“So I as never going to celebrate, although with it being so long, it was very hard not to.

Graham is technically on loan from Sunderland until May, although the struggling Wearsiders can recall him in January if they so wish, although the forward has no idea what is around the corner.

He added: “That’s out of my hands. All I have to do is concentrate on the football side. I am at Hull and whatever happens, happens.”