JAMES Chester believes maximum returns from the Easter programme can lift Hull City within touching distance of the Premier League.
With just eight games remaining in the Championship's automatic promotion race, City return to action with a mouthwatering double-header this weekend.
As well as travelling to face Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town on Saturday evening, a showdown with Watford, the Tigers' closest challengers for second spot, is looming at the KC Stadium just three days later.
City, who hold a slender two-point advantage over a chasing pack headed by the Hornets, continue to be masters of their own fate as the finishing line approaches.
And Chester is targeting a perfect six points from the next two fixtures to deliver a timely statement of their intent.
"The Watford game could be huge for us, we know that, but before that there's a very big game at Huddersfield first," Chester told the Mail.
"Hopefully we can set the Watford game up with a win in that one and then hopefully the KC Stadium will be bouncing.
"After those two games there's not long left at all so if we could put ourselves in a good position over Easter, there'll be a lot of confidence around the place.
"People will say you shouldn't look too far ahead but it's there for everyone to see.
"If we can pick up two good results in the next week then we know we'll be that step closer to being in the Premier League."
City's grip on second spot will be under threat tomorrow as both Watford and Crystal Palace attempt to steal a march in the promotion race with Good Friday victories.
Both Watford, hosts to Burnley, and fourth-placed Crystal Palace, who welcome Birmingham, can leapfrog City with wins and turn up the heat on Steve Bruce's men ahead of their trip to Huddersfield.
The Tigers will begin their preparations in earnest when all seven of their international players return to the fold this morning and Chester admits a fortnight break has focused the mind.
"It's hard to switch off because we're so close to something special," he said.
"We've worked very hard all season to be in this position and we're all aware of what we can achieve.
"It was nice to get away for a few days and get out of the city to try and forget about what's going on.
"Especially after a defeat it can be hard to switch off because you're thinking about what could have been."
A 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest 12 days ago ensured it was a break tinged by regret and also typified City's stuttering current run.
Three wins and three defeats from the last six have stifled attempts to pull clear in second and leaves the Tigers anxiously looking over their shoulders.
Chester added: "There's only eight games left and five weeks of the season so we're just gearing up for one last push. The Premier League is where I want to play my football and I'm pretty sure it's where all the lads want to be.
"It's exciting. The gaffer keeps telling us that we might not get another chance like this in our careers.
"Sometimes it's difficult when there's so much at stake but when we've enjoyed our football this season we've destroyed a few teams."
