ON-LOAN star Tom Cairney has claimed Blackburn Rovers have the same team spirit that inspired Hull City to a shock promotion back to the Premier League.

The midfielder – together with Corry Evans, currently sidelined with injury – was part of the tight-knit Tigers squad that overcame the odds to finish second in the Championship last season.

And Cairney (pictured above) has no doubt that Rovers also have the togetherness that could prove key to their hopes of snatching a top-six spot.

He said: “Everyone is together, everyone has a bit of banter and gives each other of stick, and I think you need that among the team environment if you are going to do well.

“It is definitely the same as it was at Hull for me last season, so it’s looking good.”

Rovers are four points behind the play-off places going into tomorrow’s trip to Brighton and Hove Albion (3pm).

Cairney believes they are well placed after a summer of major change at Ewood Park.

He said: “It’s a good position seeing how young the squad is and how many new players have come in – there’s been a big transition.

“But I think there’s definitely a good feeling back at Ewood Park. It’s been well documented that the last couple of seasons have not been the best of times.

“But it definitely feels like it is turning around under the manager and it’s good to be part of.”

Rovers boss Gary Bowyer is keen to keep hold of Cairney after his six-month loan from Hull runs out in January.

He has already been in contact with Tigers boss Steve Bruce about the possibility of retaining the 22-year-old’s services.

Cairney remains unsure exactly where his future lies.

But he would not be unhappy if it was at Rovers.

“My loan finishes in January and if I go back to Hull I’ll do my best to play in the Premier League again,” said Cairney, who made 11 top-flight appearances for the Tigers in the 2009-10 season.

“They are doing quite well at the minute which is good to see.

“If my future is at Blackburn, then that’s great as well.

“But it’s out of my hands and all I can do is keep doing what I do on the pitch and let the rest take of itself.

“I’m definitely enjoying my football here so it’s a case of seeing what happens.”

Cairney is now focussing on helping Rovers to victory at Brighton tomorrow.

Gary Bowyer’s side were unable to sign off for the last international break in style as they went down to defeat at Wigan Athletic after Grant Hanley was sent off.

Cairney is determined not to let the same happen at the Amex.

He said: “We were flying when we went to Wigan, we went one goal up but then we went down to 10 men.

“That could’ve been a great run for us but obviously it didn’t happen.

“Everyone knows how hard it is down there at Brighton but we’re full of confidence and we’ll try to bring the three points back.”