HULL City assistant manager Brian Horton reserved praise for George Boateng after the evergreen veteran inspired a valuable 2-1 win over Manchester City.

The Dutchman capped a brilliant performance with an unstoppable volley to claim all three points in a 2-1 victory.

It was Boateng's first strike in City colours and his first goal in over two years.

And Horton was delighted to see the hard-working 34-year-old take centre stage with a classic strike.

"That was one of the special goals, to smash one in like that is a great effort," said Horton.

"But not just the goal, his effort was fantastic and fans warm to that. Chasing down, tackling, hurrying, it's all part of his game.

"We want him to do that sitting role and he's doing it superbly.

"He's a great pro and even when he wasn't in the team he was still great to have around. You can see young Tom Cairney learning from him all the time."

Despite a fine run of form back in Phil Brown's first team, Boateng faces an uncertain future.

As one of the club's highest earners, it remains to be seen whether his contract will be extended beyond this summer.

But Horton believes Boateng will not be losing any sleep over his future.

"George is clever enough to know what he'll do next but if he plays like that every week you'd want to keep him wouldn't you?" he added.

"That's not for me to be saying but George is an experienced guy and I can't see that it'll have entered his head to be truthful, he's just enjoying his football again."

A first win of 2010 sees City enjoy a three-point cushion above the relegation places in 14th.

But, with a trip to Blackburn to come on Wednesday, Horton says the Tigers must not get ahead of themselves.

He said: "It is all about learning how to win a game and we saw it out. We have now taken four points off two of the best sides in the country.

"I thought the spirit running through the football club was shown out there. I was delighted for the lads.

"What we have to do now is come back with our feet on the ground. Blackburn got done at Stoke so it is now a big game for most clubs."