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O'Neil on Lukic, Ipswich's 'biggest strength' and Hull City

Ipswich Town boss Gary O'Neil has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Hull City at MKM Stadium (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Sasa Lukic is available for selection but O'Neil says he has a "big call" to make on the midfielder: "He's had a little bit of a groin injury that has taken some time. I'd love to have him in the starting XI for us, but we need to make the right call."

  • He said the rest of the squad are all fit, adding: "The only decisions are tactical and technical ones rather than fitness ones."

  • O'Neil described his side's mentality is their "biggest strength", adding: "Every team has quality and we're never going to be better than everyone because of that. What we need to be the best at is resilience and togetherness. If we put all our focus into that it will get us points throughout the season - as we've shown so far."

  • Dara O'Shea has adapted to the Premier League "much better" this season compared with two years ago: "I am over the moon with how he has done. He has adapted unbelievably to leading the group and is an excellent voice around the place. His performances have been what you'd expect from a leader. We need to keep pushing him."

  • On Saturday's opponents and if it is an opportunity to showcase his possession ethos: "I have a lot of respect for what Hull are doing and I don't think it matters what way that is. They have a style that's caused almost all of their opponents problems. Trying to make it [about us] dominating possession - we're not PSG or Manchester City. We are going to go there and be us."

  • More on Hull's style: "They are direct, hard-working, win loads of duels and defend with a lot of numbers. I don't care that they were promoted through the play-offs - it will be a real tough test away from home."

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