Sam Ricketts insists that the Tigers' ability will shine through in the Premier League - as long as the players continue to show 100 per cent effort and commitment.

The City full-back was speaking after his side's 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, a result which means Phil Brown's men are unbeaten after their opening two games of the season.

"The lads worked their socks off on Saturday," said Ricketts.

"That goes for the ones who came off the bench as well, Caleb Folan came on and made a good impression once again and Nick Barmby and Bernard Mendy also did well. It was a real squad effort.

"If we can go out and give it our all physically every week, our ability will then come through after that.

"Maybe we have surprised a few people. I don't know, that is up to them. We're just looking at ourselves and we know what we can do as individuals. We're a good unit and as a team we work extremely hard for each other. That is one of our major strengths.

"The biggest thing we know is that you can't afford to switch off. The players attacking you are top quality and if you give them half a chance, you'll get punished. It's a case of keeping your concentration and we have to do that week in, week out."