HULL CITY: We can pull clear, says Olofinjana
SEYI Olofinjana believes Hull City now have the platform to pull clear of relegation trouble after climbing out of the Premier League's bottom three.
A valuable weekend win over Manchester City catapulted the Tigers up four places to 14th – their highest position since November.
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Seyi Olofinjana believes Hull City can now kick on after easing out of the bottom three
And buoyed by their run of three games without defeat Olofinjana says City will travel to Blackburn Rovers tomorrow night with a new sense of confidence.
"We will keep fighting and scrapping but it's so tight that getting four points in two games can make so much difference," said Olofinjana.
"Once you get out of that zone you can breathe a little bit and you concentrate more about staying out of the relegation zone.
"When you're in there it becomes very difficult and everyone is on your case. It can affect you mentally.
"So long as we keep scrapping away like we have, we'll be fine. It's football and if you put in a shift, you can always get something."
Olofinjana made his return to the City line-up on Saturday as a second-half substitute after being absent throughout January at the African Cup of Nations.
The 29-year-old Nigerian has since seen his midfield berth taken by the impressive rookie Tom Cairney.
Starring in the last three City fixtures – draws with Wolves and Chelsea and a win over Manchester City – Cairney looks set to retain his place at Ewood Park tomorrow.
And while Olofinjana is delighted to see the 19-year-old taking centre stage, he wants to win back his place in the side.
"Bring it on, that is what it's all about," said Olofinjana. "I've heard so much about Tom Cairney but I had no doubts over his ability from my first day here.
"He's got everything going for him. He's a tall lad and playing in the middle of the park he can tackle and pass the ball. He's got energy as well – what more do you need in a midfield player?
"He is getting his chance and I am very, very pleased for him and if he's going to keep doing well for the team then so be it.
"He's got fantastic ability and he just needed that chance for someone to say 'come on, you can do this'.
"The manager has given the opportunity and he has taken it with both hands. It's wonderful."
City complete a hectic run of four games inside 11 days when travelling to Blackburn tomorrow.
Another victory would put them level with Sam Allardyce's side but without an away win in more than 11 months, the Tigers will have their work cut out at Ewood Park.
However, Olofinjana believes a buoyant team spirit in the City ranks can be the difference.
He added: "The atmosphere is fantastic in the camp, the lads are all buzzing and looking forward to games.
"You've got to start somewhere and we have been playing well. We are taking steps in the right direction."
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by Brant Tiger, Hull
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 8:05AM
“Wezzy Tiger
Deano - Wembly
Barmby - Sheffield
Ashbee - Yeovil
Boetang - KC
in that order”
by Mr Moral,, On the High Ground
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 4:41AM
“Great Results for Hull City tuesday night. 3 points weds and its more happy days.
This Fagen argument is futile. We all have opinions. I dont like the thought of Bridge/Lescott playing for England (both crap) but its Capello who decides. In Fagans case he does what it says on the tin and thats all you can ask for. Best wide right player city have. Mendy (imo) far to lazy. Fagen is perfect for games like Blackburn away. Looks like they are missing a few good players, along with Samba/Dunn ?”
by Mel (__!__), Southampton
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 11:29PM
“I've been semi prone for nearly 20 years, so believe me when I say I'm the one whose opinion counts on Fagan.
First off, he is a self centered horrible little bloke.
His role is well defined in the my latest book "In yer face from below the belt". Left to his own devices he would have your watch before you could say "Oliver Twist"
I recall the first time that I saw him, darting here and there, always up to no good, but likable all the same.
I have "great expectations" of him, now the "hard times" appear over. The "tales of two cities" showed he can make it work. But "our mutual friend" Jez thinks not. Well at least its not "bleak house" like it is for Folan.”
by Graham, Hong Kong
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 10:32PM
“Jez, did Fagan sleep with your ex-girlfriend or something? Personally I think Fagan has been playing much better since being moved from lone striker. I would definitely keep him in the side at present given the alternatives.”
by blaknamberblood, grimsby
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 10:18PM
“Here`s hoping for a positive performance in keeping with the last three games, and a defence like the last two, I`m hoping that we`re able to keep the same team although 4 games in 11 days may be too much for George, but the way he played on Saturday who knows, for those of you thinking Pompey may go out of business, I reckon late deal will be struck, part now rest end of season, no points docked and no winding up order. After tonights games we have a real opportunity to give ourselves some breathing space, and with a 10 day break coming up a much needed chance for the lads to have a couple of days rest before getting ready for the Hammers. UTT”
by wezzy tiger, west yorkshire
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 10:03PM
“David Dunn is injure. That is a massive blow to Blackburn as he is the driving force of the team. Never a better chance to beat blackburn away. Come on Phil we know sam is your mate but lets not be doing any secret deals behind closed doors. 4-4-2 have a real go and send the thousands of away fans home happy. I wonder how many people will leave work tomorrow and decide to jump in the car with a few mates and drive over to Ewood Park. I sense another Sheffield Wednesday from 4 or 5 seasons ago when over 7k went to Hillsborough on a fantastic Tuesday night when Nick Barmby scored one of the best goals from a Hull City player. Not as good as Deanos at Wembley though. 3-1 city win tomorrow night.”
by steve, south bank
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 9:58PM
“Nick, 1737 - have you ever thought of taking up forecasting. Pompey/Sunderland 1-1, Wigan/Stoke 1-1, Man City/Bolton 2-0, Fulham/Burnley 3-0. Perfect,just perfect!!!”
by Nick, Hull
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 9:34PM
“If you played at semi pro level for 10 years & if you think Fagan runs about for 90 minutes to keep the fans happy, you are crazy!! - you probably played for the Dog & Duck”
by jez, hull
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 8:12PM
“dl for your info I played at semi pro level for more than 10 years so I kinda get what's going on.
Much of fagan's running is pointless, designed to keep the fans happy.
he has very little quality, trust me.
At PL level hard works is not sufficient, it has to be coupled with quality, and he certainly ain't got it.
IMO he's one of the worst players in the PL.
I can't think of another team where he'd get a regular game.
That says it all”
by Nick, Hull
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 8:03PM
“DL, you are spot on, with the likes of us who obviously do not have the skill of most teams when on the ball - it's what we do & the work we do without the ball - you are bang on! well said”