Newly-capped Republic of Ireland international Mark McGuinness described his return to club duty as “the perfect day” after scoring the winning goal and helping to preserve a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory over Hull at Kenilworth Road.

The centre-back fired home from a set-piece just after the half-hour mark of a game played in the eye of Storm Bert, with torrential rain and gale-force winds tearing across the country.

He was then one of a number of Hatters who threw their bodies in the way of a second-half bombardment from the Tigers, who couldn’t find a way past the Town backline and goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski.

“I think it’s the perfect day for a centre-half,” smiled the 23-year-old, who was voted match sponsors’ Man of the Match. “Everyone chipped in, it wasn’t just me. We defended really well towards the end. It was really important with bodies on the line and we got the three points, which was lovely.”

As well as the goal that secured the three points, the August signing from Cardiff also smashed home a second-half volley, which was ruled out with the linesman ruling that Liam Walsh’s corner had curled out of play.

“Do you know what, that was probably the cleanest strike I’ve ever had!” said the defender. “I don’t know what happened to be honest. I wasn’t aware so I just tried to put the ball in the back of the net and it felt good.”

On the game itself, he said: “It was horrible to watch probably, but for me it was perfect. That’s what I get paid to do and I think everyone really dug deep today. We realised the important of the game. Weve got a tough week coming up now, so it’s a good platform for us to build on.”

And on making his senior Ireland debut at Wembley last Sunday against England, Mark added: "It was a big moment for me, a great experience playing against top opposition, playing on the international stage, which is the top level.

“But it was nice to come home with the boys, get back to work and the three points makes it all worth it.”