Boateng tips Tigers to survive

13 March 2009 11:07
George Boateng has backed Hull City to beat the drop and claims he will thrive on the pressure of a relegation battle.[LNB] The Dutch midfielder is currently working his way back to full fitness after suffering knee ligament damage in January and could return later this month.[LNB]Phil Brown's side are just four points above the drop zone but claimed their first win in 12 Premier League attempts with a last-gasp 1-0 success at Fulham last time out.[LNB]The Tigers tackle fellow strugglers Newcastle at the KC Stadium on Saturday with Boateng again watching from the sidelines.[LNB]The former Middlesbrough player knew he would be in for a tough season after signing for Hull City in the summer but is relishing his return to action.[LNB]"Lots of people are telling me when I come back there will be a lot of pressure on me. But that is why I signed," Boateng told Sky Sports News.[LNB]Struggle"I knew from the start it was going to be a hard season and I think if you cannot live with the pressure you don't belong on this stage in the Premier League."[LNB]Brown's side made an astonishing start to the season, defying the odds to sit in the upper reaches of the table, before a worrying slide to their current position.[LNB]When asked if the Tigers could beat the drop, Boateng replied: "Yes - especially when I come back![LNB]"Without being too over-confident, I think we've been great, we've entertained. [LNB]"In the first part of the season people were expecting us to struggle. We've had to hold on for a long time.[LNB]"Winning becomes a habit as well as losing and then the pressure gets to you."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports