Hull made a flying start to their first season in the Barclays Premier League and briefly went joint top of the table in October.

But form has deserted them since then and they headed into the weekend fixtures just six points above the relegation zone after collecting one win in 17.

Their latest setback was a late 2-1 defeat to Tottenham on Monday but Duke, set to play in a crucial clash against fellow strugglers Blackburn tomorrow, insists morale has never dipped.

"I think the spirit in the camp has always been good," Duke said.

"Obviously after you lose a game it's a bit down but you come back to training the next day and the spirit's good.

"We are new to the Premier League and we have got to expect we'll come up against those things. Hopefully we'll learn from them and they won't come up again.

"Hopefully the difference between those with experience of the Premier League and those without will come together and we'll learn from that and get better."

Duke recently supplanted Boaz Myhill as manager Phil Brown's first-choice keeper and the 31-year-old was rewarded for his efforts this week with a new contract.

He is determined to make the most of his opportunity and help Hull turn their recent form around.

The former Burton Albion stopper said: "Anyone can go on a good run of form, likewise teams can have a bad run.

"Look where we were a few weeks back. Now people are saying we are in a relegation battle but in five games it could be someone else who is above us now.

"I don't think it matters where the team is in the league, as long as we get the three points. That'll put a gap between us and the teams below us.

"I think this is the biggest game of the season - but then again, I thought the Tottenham game was the biggest of the season.

"Every game that comes is massive, I thought that about the first game of the season.

"I just want the next game to come. I want to do well and keep the number one shirt."

Hull are waiting on the fitness of captain Ian Ashbee ahead of the match at the KC Stadium.

Ashbee missed the FA Cup fifth-round replay win over Sheffield United on Thursday with a calf problem and is rated doubtful.