Tigers roaring out a warning to play-off rivals

Tuesday night’s 3-0 win at Cardiff City not only saw the Tigers return to the top six for the first time in a couple of months but it also surely made the rest of the division sit up and take note.

“I don’t think there were many people who gave us a chance this season,” admits Mclean, who netted the third goal against Cardiff to end a near three-month wait to find the net in the Championship.

“Maybe it was only inside our dressing room that there was belief we could achieve something. We are the only ones who gave us a prayer.

“In a way, that was great as this is a squad that relishes being underdogs.

“But I think that may have changed as I would like to think the teams around us are now taking us seriously.

“I have won promotion in the past with Peterborough and the momentum is similar to what I remember then. The team spirit is also the same, that has been the case from day one.

“If we can keep that going then we have a great chance. Hopefully, we are timing it just right.

“All we can do, of course, is keep going but I do feel we are in good shape and ready to go on a long run.

“We are not going to suddenly go out and start making some noise. We just want to keep doing what we are doing.”

The win at Cardiff means Hull are now unbeaten in 10 league games. With five more fixtures to come in this most hectic of months, the challenge is to maintain that run to ensure the Tigers are in a strong position when April comes around.

Mclean said: “The win sets things up for Crystal Palace on Saturday, which is now a massive game.

“We back our ability against anyone in this division so it is something we are looking forward to.

“We are a match for any team and if we can achieve the consistency we want then we won’t be far away.

“Personally, I feel there is not a lot between the sides near the top. That is why winning at Cardiff was so important as they will be up there, no doubt about that.

“To get in the play-offs then we will have to beat the teams around us.”

Hull started the Cardiff game in ninth place and priced at long odds to end the evening back in the play-off spots.

Not only did they have to win by a three-goal margin to overhaul the sixth-placed Bluebirds but Birmingham City were also in action against Leicester City.

Despite the long odds, Hull enjoyed a perfect evening to leapfrog over the Blues, the Bluebirds and Blackpool.

Mclean said: “It feels brilliant to be back in the top six. It is where we want to be come the end of the season as we want to get in the Premier League.

“The win at Cardiff is the sort that can make all the difference as it gives everyone confidence for the run-in.

“There are not too many teams who will go to Cardiff and not only score three goals to win but also not concede.

“Cardiff are a magnificent side so to do that will be a big lift to everyone.

“We had been working hard and got a lot of draws so beating Cardiff was something we probably deserved for all the effort that has been going in.

“It was also a terrific response to Saturday when we drew 2-2 (at home to Ipswich Town) after being 2-0 up.

“We are all pleased, especially me as I was disappointed to give away the penalty that let Ipswich back into the game.

“We came to Cardiff and from the first minute we went in search of the three points. I felt the response of the lads was first-class.”

Mclean’s joy at claiming all three points at Cardiff was complemented by a return to his preferred starting role up front as manager Barmby opted to rotate his troops by resting Matty Fryatt.

The former Peterborough striker duly marked the switch with an acrobatic finish to claim his second goal of the year, the first having come in the FA Cup win against Ipswich Town.

He added: “Personally, it was great to be back playing up front. I have been in a few positions lately but up front is where I prefer to play.

“I am willing to play wherever the manager wants me as I want to play my part. But when he said he wanted me back up front then I was over the moon.

“As pleasing as the three goals were, keeping a clean sheet was just as important.

“We defend as as team, just as we score goals as a team. James Chester showed that with a great goal against Cardiff.

“I made a couple of clearances in our box and they were just as important as the goal I got. I did enjoy it, though.

“The goalkeeper pulled off a great save to keep out my first shot so I just went for it. They either go in or miles over the crossbar but, thankfully, the ball flew into the net.”