The former Barcelona player produced an inspired display as Hull inched a point closer to their survival target with a 1-1 draw at home to relegation rivals Newcastle yesterday.

Geovanni opened the scoring after nine minutes of an open encounter, but Newcastle hit back to avoid a damaging defeat with a Steven Taylor volley before half-time.

Hull, just four points above the drop zone, are far from out of danger. But Geovanni's return to goalscoring form - having patched up differences with manager Phil Brown following a recent spat - offers hope for the final nine games.

"I am happy to be able to help Hull, and also happy to have scored again," said Geovanni, whose goal was his seventh of the season but his first since November.

"We went out to win this game. It did not happen. But from now on, the most important thing is not losing games at this stage of the competition. That will be important for us to stay in the Premier League.

"We could have been happier had we won this game. We got points in the last two games, and we must keep this mentality.

"I would like to get back to that phase of scoring more goals and helping the team.

"No doubt about it, we will stay in the Premier League. But we must keep up this form, and not lose games."

Geovanni angered Brown with a display of petulance after being substituted during Hull's defeat by Blackburn a fortnight ago.

The player later apologised, and the problems now look to have been consigned to history after impressive performances from the Brazilian in the win at Fulham on March 4 and against Newcastle.

The 28-year-old, signed after being released by Manchester City last summer, said: "This is past. What happened to me could have happened to any other players, because you are sad (at that moment). I was sad, because I was seeking to help the team.

"But I am happy because he [Phil Brown] brought me to the club.

"I am happy for the opportunity he has given me again - and I have been able to help the team."

Both sides pressed for a win in the second half. But the game became scrappy, and Brown felt nerves played a part.

He admits that is only to be expected with so many teams still in danger of relegation in a tightly-packed league.

"I think it will go to the wire for nine, possibly 10 teams," said Brown.

"Everyone is still in it and fighting for their lives.

"Nobody has dropped off. The team in 20th has still got a chance of surviving."

Hull squandered one glorious chance to win the game when Bernard Mendy broke free down the right but failed to pick out the unmarked Manucho with his pass.

Hull travel to Wigan next week, but their immediate concern is now playing the one outstanding FA Cup quarter-final at Arsenal on Tuesday.

Brown said: "The last five of the FA Cup, it's big - but in the grand scheme of things, not as big as Wigan."