David Meyler: 'I want to push Hull City back into Premier League'

DAVID Meyler says the opportunity to play a lead role in Hull City's push for promotion out of the Championship is all the incentive he needs to step down from the Premier League.

The 23-year-old midfielder is set to turn an impressive loan move into a permanent switch to the KC Stadium after Sunderland accepted the Tigers' £1.5m bid this week.

Negotiations over personal terms began yesterday but, providing there are no obstacles, Meyler is expected to become City's first signing of the January transfer window in the next 24 hours.

That will bring an end to his four-and-a-half-year stay on Wearside after joining Sunderland from Cork City in 2008.

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But Meyler is unwilling to turn down a golden chance to resurrect his injury-hit career with the Tigers.

"It's a big decision," he said. "I've loved my time at Sunderland and made some great friends that I'll never forget.

"But I've been unfortunate where I've had two serious injuries and it's been stop-start for about 18 months now.

"To have that opportunity to come out on loan and play regular football has been fantastic. Getting three goals as well, that's been great too.

"I've become an Ireland international as well so I want to keep that going.

"I want to help this team into the Premier League and if it means dropping down a division for now, then that's what I'll do.

"This side is a terrific side. They're a great bunch and they have what it takes to win promotion."

Meyler has been an instant hit with the Tigers during his initial loan spell, scoring three goals in seven starts from midfield.

Promotion-chasing City are yet to lose a game in which he has started and that run was extended in Tuesday's 0-0 draw at Blackpool.

The point helped Steve Bruce's men to shore up their position in the Championship's automatic promotion places, opening up a two-point advantage over third placed Crystal Palace.

"To be honest, I've been surprised with just how good this team is," said Meyler.

"Last year was a mid-table sort of finish in the end and they struggled to score goals, but the gaffer has come in with a few new lads and I've been very impressed.

"People like Sone Aluko and Robbie Brady, there's some terrific players here and a great team spirit.

"That comes out of the changing room and out on to the pitch. The manager brings a great atmosphere.

"The way we played against Leeds (a 2-0 win at the weekend), where we passed it and passed and never stopped, every single player makes a difference here."

City break from Championship action for Saturday's FA Cup third round date with Leyton Orient before resuming their promotion assault with games against lowly Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough this month.

Meyler was able to take satisfaction from the stalemate at Blackpool in trying conditions and said: "After five wins and a draw going into the game, it was another good point for us.

"We've now got to look at the next league games and make sure we get three more points at home.

"It's important that you keep picking up points all the time in this league."