soccer

Hull 'no bigger than any other game' - McKenna

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna said Tuesday's game against play-off rivals Hull City is no more significant than any other in the Championship.

The two sides are fourth and fifth in the table with 60 points, just three behind second-placed Middlesbrough, although Town have a game in hand.

It has been billed as a 'six pointer' but McKenna told BBC Radio Suffolk: "They're a really dangerous team, can score at any moment, and we're going to have to be at our best.

"I don't see it as any bigger than any of the other ones. It's against a really good team, but you have to respect everyone equally.

"There's so many games to go and so many teams that are tight [together,] so we just get ready for the next game respectful of their strengths, and get ready to bring the best of us."

McKenna is delighted with the recent form of George Hirst and Ivan Azon after the club failed to bring in any striking reinforcements in January.

Both scored in Saturday's 3-0 win over Swansea City - making it two in two for Hirst, who also netted in the previous game at Watford.

"They're both doing well," said McKenna. "That's two good goals off the bench for George, two striker goals, and he's continued to conduct himself well.

"It's a great way to build himself up, coming on and impacting off the bench. He's getting big chances every game he comes on."

On Azon, he added: "He has improved in every aspect. Part of that is the physicality of English football, but also tactically, understanding his team-mates and what we need from him, and he's delivering some good all-round centre-forward performances."

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