Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth admits his lengthy injury spell earlier this season took its toll on him, but says he's now determined to keep the number one jersey after making his long-awaited return to action.

The Brighton and Hove Albion stopper is staying at Hull City for the remainder of the season after recovering from the ankle problem that saw him sidelined for three months and is relishing the battle with Ivor Pandur.

Rushworth made his debut in the FA Cup defeat to Doncaster Rovers last weekend and was then handed a first Championship start at Millwall on Saturday, keeping a clean sheet in a precious 1-0 victory at The Den - the Tigers' first in Bermondsey since 2013. He will be hoping to remain between the posts when the Tigers host in-form QPR on Tuesday night before travelling to Bramall Lane on Friday to take on Sheffield United.

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City's summer deadline day signing from the Amex Stadium was due to make his debut against Sunderland back in October before damaging his ankle in training the day before, a major setback for him and City, and he admits it was a difficult spell.

"It was really frustrating, especially with the injury," the 23-year-old told Hull Live. "There's no ideal time for an injury, but when I was going to make my debut that weekend, it was really frustrating, and it took its toll on me.

"I was really frustrated just being inside the gym and everything, but working every day knowing that I had a date to come back for and working towards that, being as best prepared as I could be to return and make a statement, try and get into the team and try and keep my place."

The Halifax-born stopper says conversations are ongoing with his parent club on the South Coast, but his ultimate desire is to play regularly. It looks like it will happen now at City and he's relishing the remaining weeks of the campaign.

"I'm always having conversations (with Brighton)," he explained. "We've made it clear that I just need to play, especially missing so much of the season as I have done with the games remaining; I just need to play and get as much game time under my belt. Getting the clean sheets and the wins is always going to be a bonus for that, so I just made it clear that I just need to play.

"I said that I'm happy to play. That's the main thing I just need to play, and if I get the opportunity here, then that's perfect for me. I'm happy at the moment, and I'm really focused on trying to get out of this situation that we're in because, with the quality that we've got in the changing room, we shouldn't be in this situation.

"I think that the win (at Millwall) is going to help us and give us confidence for Tuesday and then Friday. It's quite an exciting situation for me personally, and I'm looking forward to the challenges."

Rushworth says the defeat to Doncaster on penalties in the FA Cup really focused the minds and added a little extra incentive to come to Millwall and get a crucial three points in their quest to stay in the league.

In truth, aside from an early save from Japhet Tanganga, the goalkeeper had very little work to do, which is a testament to the way Ruben Selles' side defended.

"It is a special moment (to make my debut in an away win)," he said. "I'm really happy to be back playing like last week, even though the result was really disappointing for the lads. It took a toll on us, but it really made us hungry for a reaction this week.

"So come Monday, we were fully focused on Millwall and knew all the threats, how they were going to try and expose us, and I feel as though it showed that we were prepared.

"On a personal note, I'm really, really proud, especially of the lads, for doing what they did and putting their bodies on the line because, realistically, I didn't really have too much to do, and that's down to the lads just making blocks, winning headers and doing the ugly side and which is needed a place like this.

"That's what we were saying in the dressing room before (the need to win the battle against the Lions). We've got to earn the right to play because we want to be a possession-based side, but when you come here it's tough to do that because of how physical they are, but I feel as though we adapted well. We put up a good fight. Getting the win and the clean sheet proved that we were ready for it.

"We're building each day in training, and you're seeing that the competition that we've got, especially with Ivor (Pandur) and me, we'll push each other every single day in training. It's just going to make us better.

"We've got to do all we can to make the gaffer's decision as hard as possible, and once you get the opportunity and get your shirt, then it's about keeping it. Doing all you can because you know that the other goalkeeper or even other players will be knocking on the door ready to go."