Kilbane - I want to be playing

Tigers veteran desperate to be part of the battle

Last updated: 3rd March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Kilbane - I want to be playing

Kilbane: Desperate to play

It hasn't been for me so far this season but I will knuckle down and work as hard as I can to back in the side for the last 11 games.

Kevin Kilbane
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Hull City utility man Kevin Kilbane says he'd relish the chance to play a role in the Tigers' survival campaign.

The 33-year-old, who won his 103rd Republic of Ireland cap in their defeat to Brazil on Tuesday night, has been forced to settle for a much smaller role for his domestic club.

Kilbane last started a league game for the top-flight strugglers in October - captaining the side to a 2-0 away defeat at Fulham.

The Tigers are likely to be in a relegation scrap for the remainder of the season after falling into the drop zone again at the weekend, but Kilbane insists he is ready for that challenge.

"You want to be playing, of course you do, and you want to be part of a successful side," Kilbane told the Hull Daily Mail.

Knuckle down

"I'm no different to anyone else, I want to play in every game possible.

"I've knocked on the manager's door a good few times this season because you just want to ask how you can improve yourself to get back in the team.

"In fairness to Phil Brown, he's always willing to take on board what you've got to say and give you some answers.

"Over the last couple of months the team has been doing well, but you'd still like to play your part.

"It hasn't been happening for me so far this season but I will knuckle down and work as hard as I can to get back in the side for the last 11 games."

Versatile

Kilbane has proved himself as a versatile member of Brown's squad since joining from Wigan over a year ago - occupying roles in midfield, central defence and at left-back.

After settling for a place on the bench in recent matches, the absence of Anthony Gardner could see the veteran adapt to playing in the heart of the defence once again.

With a lack of opportunities at the KC Stadium, the Republic of Ireland international had been linked with a move away from the club in January, but the defender insists he had no intention of leaving.

"I don't think it was ever on the cards in all honesty," he added.

"There was a lot that I read in the newspapers but there was never anything concrete to me."