Rushworth: 'I am really proud of the lads'

Carl Rushworth expressed his pride in the endeavour shown by his fellow teammates in Hull City’s 1-0 victory away at Millwall. 

Jake Cooper’s own goal on 58 minutes split the two sides in a dogged fight, which the Tigers triumphed to claim their third clean sheet of the season. 

And Rushworth, who was making his first league appearance for City, cut a proud figure due to the way the Tigers dug in to protect the on-loan goalkeeper’s net.

“I am really proud of the lads because every single one of them put their bodies on the line,” he said. “We know how difficult it can be here and with the physicality Millwall have. 

“Not just the back four, but the whole team put their body on the line which made my job a lot easier, so I am really thankful for them and their hard work today. We knew we had the ability; it was about the lads being together and the togetherness in the squad.

“The fans were behind us from minute one and they drove us on, especially when it got tough towards the end of the game, they were like our 12th man, so we’re grateful for their support. 

“I am really happy. It was the perfect bounce back from last week. We knew exactly how they were going to play, their threats, and their physicality as well. We were as prepared as we could be, and I think it showed today.”

The Tigers next face Queens Park Rangers at the MKM Stadium on Tuesday 21 January. 

Rushworth hopes City can ride the momentum created and take it into their midweek fixture against the Hoops.

He continued: “It’s a tricky one because when you’re riding so high on the three points and clean sheet, you have got to bring yourself back down to earth as we have a game in a few days. 

“We have got to use that as confidence going into the next game but not ride too high on it.”