Mike Phelan: 'Hull City need investment'

Hull City manager Mike Phelan has criticised his players for giving away a "ridiculous goal" in their 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough on Monday, adding that his squad needs investment in January.

The game's deciding goal came in the 60th minute as Boro midfielder Gaston Ramirez headed home from an inswinging corner, and the result saw the Tigers remain in the Premier League relegation zone.

Phelan told BBC Sport after the game: "We tried to drag something out of it but it was really really disappointing. We gave away a ridiculous goal from a set piece, we all have jobs to do and we didn't concentrate.

"We defended well at times and after they scored we came into it but we have to do better and don't concede when we don't need to. We all understand the predicament we are in and hardship that we face but we have enough players to do certain jobs.

"Hopefully come January we will look different. We need that investment. We can't afford any more injuries, it is going to be a hard slog throughout Christmas, but our aim has always been to stay up and we are not adrift."

Hull struggled in the off-season, losing previous boss Steve Bruce and approaching the new campaign with only 13 fit senior players.