Hull extended their unbeaten league run to eight games when substitute Jay Simpson nodded in a late leveller at Ipswich. And Tigers boss Nigel Pearson lauded the former Arsenal striker for his contribution.

"It was a clever header for the goal, with his back to goal. He had a lot to do, to manipulate the ball like that.

"Jay's had a frustrating time. He's been out of the side and it was a good response for him.

"He's had to be patient and probably feels he hasn't had a fair crack of the whip, but it illustrates that you need a squad ethic to be successful.

"If you aspire to succeed you need a group of players who are prepared to play for each other and we've certainly got that."

Pearson added: "It's not been easy for him but aside from his goal, when he went on his build-up play was good and I'm very pleased for him because he probably felt he had a point to prove."

The result means Hull are seven points shy of the play-offs and Pearson said: "We need players who can have an impact when the side isn't playing as well as we'd like.

"We've still got a lot to do but it's important psychologically to stay in the play-off race."

Ipswich dominated and boss Paul Jewell was frustrated with the draw.

"We looked a bit tired in the last 15 minutes. I thought we deserved to win on the balance of play but there's only one stat that counts and that's the goals.

"But at least we're making progress and that's the most important thing. It was as well as we've played since I've been here.

"Doncaster had 406 passes on Tuesday night and we had 280, yet won 6-0.

"That shows you that domination and possession is great, but it's what you do with it that counts.

"I thought we were terrific and the only thing lacking was goals. Some of the football we played in the first half especially was scintillating."