Keane backing Tigers to start piling on the points

Will Keane is backing his Hull City colleagues to re-find the form that shot them to the upper reaches of the Premier League table in the opening weeks of the season.

The Tigers are without a win in eight Premier League fixtures and face Southampton at home on Sunday, with the Saints still flying after their win over European giants Inter Milan in midweek.

Two wins in their opening two matches of the season saw the Tigers top the nascent table in August, and even though Mike Phelan’s side have not picked up a league win since, Keane is hopeful the positive results will return.

“We have been in good form but we feel like our performances are gradually returning to what they were at the start of the season,” said the former Manchester United man.

“Yes, Southampton will be a very tough test for us and they have some outstanding players but we’ve trained all week to be ready for Sunday – I’m confident we’ve got enough to get a result.”

Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Claude Puel’s men fought back for a famous win over former European champions Internazionale on Thursday, but Keane is not expecting Southampton to have any hangover from their midweek exertions.

“They would be a really tough team to play no matter what had happened on Thursday night,” added Keane.

“You can look at it as they’ve had a really good performance and victory so will be buzzing about that or you could say they’ve only really got a day to prepare for the game on Sunday.

“I’m sure they’re used to this situation by now though. They rested a few of their key players on Thursday to be prepared for Sunday so that shows the level of respect they’re paying us.”