PABLO Counago believes that beating Hull on Sunday will give the Blues the impetus to go all the way in the play-offs.The Spanish striker was part of Joe Royle's squad that narrowly missed out on automatic promotion three years ago and were beaten by west ham in the play-offs after finishing third.

Derek Davis

PABLO Counago believes that beating Hull on Sunday will give the Blues the impetus to go all the way in the play-offs.

The Spanish striker was part of Joe Royle's squad that narrowly missed out on automatic promotion three years ago and were beaten by West Ham in the play-offs after finishing third.

Now it is Hull, who would miss out on a top two finish if Town win, and if other results go their way, the Blues would edge into sixth spot and Counago believes they would have the psychological advantage over the third placed side - Hull.

Counago said: “The last time we were in the play-offs it was very disappointing because we had been top two for so much of the season but then slipped out late on.

“To finish third was a real blow and then against West Ham who had finished almost 20 points behind us yet they made it.

“We have seen how the sixth placed team comes through to go up, look at Crystal Palace a few years ago. So if we win and get into the play-offs we would have the momentum.

“This is a big chance for us and if we beat Hull then we will have the psychological advantage in the play-off games.”

Of course, even a win over the Tigers does not guarantee a play-off place, Wolves need to drop points against Plymouth, while Palace have to lose at home to Burnley, a draw would be enough for Town if they get enough to overcome the three-goal difference.

Counago said: “Things can change so quickly in football. Anything is possible. You can be behind with two minutes to go and come back and win, even in a Champions' League final. All sorts of things happen in sport, so we have to keep believing.

“We know it will be a tough game against a good team but all we can do is try to win and then see what happens with other teams.”

The Blues will season the finish with more home wins in the championship than anyone else and could extend that record to 15, something Counago is convinced can work to their advantage.

He said: “Playing at home is a massive advantage for us.

“The table shows we are the best home team in the league but in a game like this the statistics don't matter we have to do the job.

“It will help because we are in our stadium, our home, with our fans.

“We will be attacking which is our best style and we will be trying to win the game playing our football.

“But we know Hull are a good team in good form, so will make it hard but this is a great game to be a part of.”