Windass laughs off latest link with exit from Hull

The Hull striker Dean Windass has dismissed fresh speculation linking him with a move elsewhere, and again pledged his commitment to the club.

Windass has found opportunities limited since firing his home-town club into the Premier League with the winning goal in last season's Championship play-off final against Bristol City. A number of clubs are monitoring his potential availability, and reports yesterday suggested Steve Howey had earmarked him for a player-coaching role should he land the Hartlepool vacancy.

Yet Windass, 39, who has also been linked with Leeds United and Grimsby Town this season, has been back on the bench in recent weeks – after a period of being overlooked altogether – and insists he is happy.

Yesterday, he said: "The first I heard about it was this morning. I didn't even know [former Hartlepool manager] Danny Wilson had been sacked. That's how much I know about it.

"As normal, I work hard in training and try to get back in the team. I'm [feeling] a little bit better than I was a month ago.

"I came on against Liverpool and had the opportunity to change the game and thought I worked quite well with Marlon [King]," he added. "I'm not happy [with my game time] but I've got to get on with it. It's not just me, there are a lot of players not in the team,and the manager can only play 11 players.

"I've just got to show the same attitude as I have throughout my career, and when you get the opportunity you've got to prove it. When I have come on in the last few games I've done pretty well. The gaffer's sticking by me like that."

After just one substitute appearance in two months, Windass returned to help Hull grab an equaliser at Portsmouth last month and also featured off the bench in last Saturday's 2-2 draw at Liverpool.

It has been a frustrating time for the former Aberdeen, Bradford and Middlesbrough forward but manager Phil Brown has been pleased with his attitude. Brown said: "He's been excellent. I think he has knuckled down and more or less said he's with us for the duration. He wants to finish his career on a high, and none more so than with his home-town team in the Premier League."