Hull City midfielder Markus Henriksen has claimed that his side are capable of pushing for a mid-table finish in the Premier League this season.
The Tigers finally tied caretaker manager Mike Phelan down to a permanent contract earlier this week after the assistant had taken the reins for the opening months of the season following Steve Bruce's departure.
A bright start to the campaign saw Phelan named the Premier League Manager of the Month for August, but a subsequent five-match winless streak has left the club just three points clear of the relegation zone heading into matches against Bournemouth, Stoke City and Watford.
"To be honest, with the quality we have we should stay in the league and that's our first goal. I think also it's possible to be fighting for the middle of the table. Everybody's very happy. I think everybody here at Hull is very satisfied," he told reporters.
"I think it's a relief for every player now, especially for Mike as well. There's been a lot of backwards and forwards with his contract and now when everything is signed I think everyone is very happy. He's a very good coach and a big reason why I signed for this club. I heard a lot about him and I knew he also wanted me. The way he gives all the players confidence, he's a very good guy and a very good manager.
"Now we have to show what we are made of. Now it's the games we have to take the points [from]. We learned a lot from the previous games, a little bit of smartness, how to react, especially with the two very stupid red cards at the beginning of the games. I also think the first half at Chelsea showed that we're a good side and all the players and staff are very much looking forward to the upcoming games."
Henriksen made his first league start for the club in their final match before the international break.
Barney Corkhill
