HULL boss Phil Brown is convinced he has a squad capable of fighting their way out of relegation trouble.

The Tigers are just four points above the Premier League drop zone following last week’s defedat at Middlesbrough.

Brown was angered by the performance in the 3-1 defeat at the Riverside Stadium but is confident his players can produce the required response as they make a quick return to the north east.

‘‘We put in an uncharacteristic performance at Middlesbrough and didn’t bring our normal hard-working game to the table,’’ Brown said.

‘‘That was the most disappointing thing and that is all I am asking for.

‘‘All we want is the players to bring their most energetic game, and that will be sufficient.

‘‘We always knew this stage of the season was going to be a tough ask.

‘‘We were under no illusions at the start of the season, even when we got 20 points in nine games, that it wouldn’t manifest itself in a scrap at the end of the season.

‘‘That is what it has turned out to be and I reckon I have got the character in the squad and in individuals to be prepared for any kind of scrap.

‘‘Two years ago we were in a survival campaign and we could have gone out of business 10 years ago – that takes a lot of character.’’ Both sides will be feeling the pressure this weekend, with Sunderland in an even more precarious position, two points worse off than 15th-placed Hull.

Hull are anxiously looking over their shoulders after picking up just one win in 16 outings while Sunderland’s predicament has led to speculation over manager Ricky Sbragia’s future.

‘‘There is going to be that much pressure around,’’ Brown said. ‘‘There is already talk of managers replacing Ricky and that is ridiculous at this stage of the season.”