Hull v Arsenal: George Boyd targeting 'extra bonus' in what he feels is Tigers' best season in club's history

Hull could cap a tremendous first season back in the Premier League with the FA Cup when they take on Arsenal in the final next month

Hull midfielder George Boyd believes the club are enjoying the best season in their history.

The Tigers have defied gloomy expectations on their return to the Barclays Premier League, winning 10 matches to sit six points clear of the bottom three with five games to play.

And Steve Bruce's side have also put together an unexpected FA Cup run, booking their first ever final appearance with last weekend's 5-3 win over Sheffield United at Wembley.

Their opponents in the end of season showpiece are Arsenal, who also visit the KC Stadium on Sunday.

Boyd has targeted one more win before the end of the campaign to be sure of safety, but is already sure fans are in the midst of great times.

"You would have to think that this is the most successful season the club has ever seen," said the Scotland international.

"We're playing in the top tier and doing well there, we've never been to an FA Cup final before either, so you would have to think that's the case.

"It's an unbelievable achievement to think that 12 or 13 months ago we were in the Championship and in a month's time we could be in Europe.

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"It's been a brilliant season. We were all quietly confident we could do well in the Premier League but the cup run has been a little extra bonus."

Boyd, like his manager, is careful to point out that Hull cannot yet pat themselves on the back until the distant prospect of relegation is finally extinguished.

Few pundits expect them to be dragged down at this late stage, but taking the prize scalp of Arsene Wenger's Gunners would be a fine way to seal the deal.

"All we need to do is concentrate on getting that one win, another one will do us nicely because we need to stay in the Premier League - that is the biggest achievement we could have had this season," said Boyd.

"If we can get that done then we'll concentrate on the cup final once we're secure.

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"We've proved at home we can beat anyone, we beat Liverpool earlier in the season and went 2-0 up against Manchester United.

"We're fully focused on Arsenal and getting the win."

Bruce will be expected to restore summer signings Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long to the side on Sunday, the pair having been cup-tied for the semi-final win over the Blades.

But he will also be mindful of the players he will need to replace them in the final, with Yannick Sagbo, Matty Fryatt and Sone Aluko all vying for positions up front and Boyd capable of operating behind a central striker.

PA