"He got them up through the play-offs and he has kept the momentum going. At the start of the season it was a surprise, but now it is not. People are looking at Hull and expecting good results from them now.

"Their away form is something we have got to be wary about. They won at Arsenal and have had some other really good results away from home. So you cannot take anything for granted."

Moyes’ injury problems could be eased soon with the return from injury of defender Joseph Yobo, who has missed three games with a hamstring problem.

Yobo’s absence has given former England Under-21 left-back Leighton Baines the opportunity of a run in the side, so Moyes could have a selection headache to contend with when the Nigerian returns.

He said: "Leighton has done well in the games he has played. He has been doing fine, there is a good player there and we know that. But the competition is stiff.

"That is what happens when you come to big clubs. The competition will always be tough.

"We have that at the back with Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka and Joseph Yobo. That is tough competition."

Baines has a difficult time since joining Everton in a £6million deal from Wigan in August 2007, with a number of ill-timed injuries.

But Lescott has done so well at left-back, Baines’ chances have been limited and Moyes can understand any frustrations the 24-year-old has had.

He said: "He will obviously want to play more. I do not think he accepts the situation and nor do I want him to accept it. He wants to play, which is good.

"But Lescott probably became as good a left-back as there was in the country last season.

"We did not buy him to make him a left-back. We just found him playing there because of what happened with injuries and suspensions.

"Joleon has ended up developing and been capped for England due to his form at left-back. That is where the competition has come from."