ROBBIE Brady has every faith Hull City can maintain their relentless promotion push in 2013 – and hopes he can stick around to play his part for the remainder of the season.
At the end of a week that saw the 20-year-old extend his loan from Manchester United until January, Brady fired a brilliant free-kick to seal a 2-1 victory for the Tigers at Watford.
Saturday's win, City's third in succession on their travels, lifted Steve Bruce's men up to fourth in the Championship and to within just three points of the automatic promotion places.
The Tigers are showing few signs of faltering as the halfway mark of the campaign approaches and having figured in the side that fell short last season, Brady believes City have learned from their mistakes.
"I'm not sure what's different but there's a better feel to it this year, there's a lot of belief," Brady said.
"Not that there wasn't last season but we're more set this year and everyone knows what we're striving for.
"We're all together and there's great depth in the squad too. That's what gives us the extra edge.
"These are a great bunch of lads who have been playing well and it's not lucky to be where we are.
"We're more than capable of winning promotion. We've got the players and the coaching staff and we're striving for nothing less."
Asked if he would like to extend his loan from Old Trafford beyond January and be part of City's final push, Brady added: "I'm really enjoying it. I love coming out to play football and there's no better place than doing it here with my mates. I'd love to carry on after January."
Brady's first domestic goal since March put the lid on another faultless away performance from the Tigers.
David Meyler's first-half goal had provided a slender advantage before City evoked memories of away wins at Birmingham and Nottingham Forest to hang on doggedly.
Only a stoppage-time consolation from Troy Deeney denied City a clean-sheet and Brady believes the influence of Bruce cannot be underplayed.
"The manager is great. Everything is in order and everyone knows what they're doing," he said.
"He's been there and done it. Everyone knows what he's done in his career, he's been an unbelievable player and he's carried that through into management.
"His record shows that and hopefully he can add another promotion to his tally this year."
After earning his place as City's left wing-back in recent weeks, Brady was the matchwinner when converting a superb 25-yard free-kick 17 minutes from time.
Although he was on the mark for the Republic of Ireland in their friendly win over Oman in September, it was his first goal in the Championship since scoring in City's 2-2 draw with Ipswich on March 10.
"My legs were getting heavier but I said I fancied it as soon as the foul was given," he said.
"It was great to see it going in."
