STYLE and substance will stand the Blues in good stead once they reach the Premiership, according to Ipswich Town winger Alan Quinn.

Derek Davis

STYLE and substance will stand the Blues in good stead once they reach the Premiership, according to Ipswich Town winger Alan Quinn.

The Republic of Ireland international knows what it takes to get to the top flight, and to stay there, and Quinn believes Town possess the right qualities.

He said: “Jim Magilton has got this team playing in the right manner and we play in a style that could cope in the Premier League.

“We have seen in the past that you can't go up into the Premier League and just play the long ball. It just doesn't work at that level.”

Quinn was part of Neil Warnock's Sheffield United side that got promoted to the top level only to come down in controversial circumstances, but feels they at least tried to match sides for quality.

He said: “I know we got relegated at Sheffield United last year but we tried to play and were unlucky in the end to go down.

“Watford played their direct route a few years back when they went up but were down by Christmas.

“Premier League teams and the players are too good not to be able to deal with big boots up the pitch, you have to pass the ball to have a chance of surviving.”

The 28-year-old also believes luck can play a part and if they get their share on Sunday when they play Hull, and Watford or Palace slip up, along with Wolves and the Blades, then they could be mixing it with the big boys in August.

Quinn said: “I know results have to go our way on Sunday and we need lady luck to smile down on us but if we finish in the top six then we can win the play-offs.”

First they need to beat a Hull City side who have injury problems ahead of the clash.

Richard Garcia and Henrik Pederson are the biggest doubt, while Andy Dawson is struggling with a foot problem.

Although Dean Windass limped out of the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace with a gash that needed 20 stitches, he will be strapped up and is expected to start alongside England Under-21 striker Fraizer Campell.

Jay-Jay Okocha has made good strides but even if fit is only likely to be on the bench.

Town have no fresh injury concerns and Pablo Counago is back in training after feeling discomfort in the pelvis.