Stubborn Hull City 'have rediscovered resilience', says Steve Bruce
STEVE Bruce believes a first league win of 2013 saw his Hull City side rediscover the resilience needed to keep pace in the race for automatic promotion.
After a difficult January had brought just one win in six league and cup games, David Meyler's early strike inspired a return to winning ways with a 1-0 victory at Millwall on Saturday.
-
Hull City's David Meyler strikes after 37 seconds at Millwall
A stubborn defensive effort returned City's sixth clean-sheet in their last 11 games, and a first away win over Millwall since 1986.
Three valuable points brought City level on points with second-placed Leicester, and Bruce admitted it was a triumph for the determination of his high-flyers.
IS YOUR CAR KEY BENT ? REMOTE FOB NOT WORKING ? LOST CAR KEYS ?...
Peace Of Mind Security Hull Ltd/Hull Car Keys
View details
FOR ALL YOUR CAR KEY NEEDS CALL US NOW ON
01482 423414
SNAPPED KEYS, LOST KEYS, KEYS LOCKED IN VEHICLES,
EXTRA KEYS
WE ALSO REPAIR 90% OF ALL REMOTES AND KEYS, NO FIX NO CHARGE.
Terms:
FREE REMOTE KEY FOB BATTERY ONE PER CUSTOMER
SAVE £3.00 WITH THIS FREE BATTERY
Contact: 01482 423414
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
"To win the Championship or get anywhere near that, there's going to be a time when you have a little stumble," Bruce told the Mail.
"I've said that this is the difficult part of the season, especially with the way we try to play football.
"The pitches are lively and heavy, so it's tough for every side. It's important that you show a little bit of resilience.
"We lost against Sheffield Wednesday, which is the one time we've lost in three months in the league, so there was no need to panic. But we needed to get back to winning ways and there's nothing better sometimes than a 1-0 win. I saw that resilience and fight."
City's victory was not without its set-backs as central defender Abdoulaye Faye is facing up to three weeks out with a calf strain, while goalscorer Meyler was also forced off with a knee injury.
Although fears of a serious problem were soon allayed at The Den, the midfielder may yet be a doubt for this weekend's trip to Brighton.
Along with City team-mates Paul McShane and Robbie Brady, he will join up with the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of Wednesday's friendly with Poland, where his injury will be assessed.
Bruce was a relieved man when seeing Meyler avoid another serious knee problem and knows his £1.5m recruit has a big role to play in City's season.
"David's got a knock on his knee but it's probably just stitches," he said. "It was a nasty whack and when he went down holding his right knee I feared the worst.
"Thankfully, he'll be okay, I think. I would think he'll still have to report with Ireland but I can't see him playing.
"He's had a really good start to his career here and hopefully he can have a little bit of luck to stay fit. He can be a big player for us because you'd hate to play against him."
City will hope to see deadline day signings Ahmed Fathi and Gedo arrive in England late this week.
The pair are awaiting visas but are expected to see them granted before they, along with Ahmed Elmohamady, play for Egypt against Chile in Madrid on Wednesday.
Bruce, meanwhile, continues to monitor the emergency loan market ahead of its opening on Friday as he looks to add another striker to his squad.
"If there's someone out there who can improve us we'll have a look," he added.
11 Comments
View all
by stantheman
Monday, February 04 2013, 7:56PM
“Nothing newsworthy in the 50,000 extra subscribers to City's official facebook page since the club signed the two Egyptian lads?
Or the eight internationals the club have on duty this week?
Or Robby Brady winning the Irish FA Under 21 player of the year last night?
Have Hull City still got a press officer?”
by strummer1961
Monday, February 04 2013, 5:15PM
“100% behind Steve Bruce with his comments!!!
The fire looks to be back in the belly's and we scrapped our way to 3 valuable points,same again this Saturday Tigers and keep the pressure on Leicester.
On the topic of the loan window I think Bruce has got his eye on someone and is playing his cards close to his chest,that's the way he goes about his business...”
by JH1311
Monday, February 04 2013, 3:07PM
“while we're on the subject of Terry Connor, I'm pleased to see he finally ended his 0% ratio in terms of management. having not won a single game in charge of wolves he went on to take the reigns of Ipswich on Saturday with McCarthy off sick. I'm doubly pleased the win was against the borough. I'm triply please Aaron Mclean scored.
I always felt bad for Terry as he could never catch a break in the prem. I think he went ahead against good teams like Man utd but ended up on the losing end each time. Pleased for him”
by Ant_Hull
Monday, February 04 2013, 2:23PM
“My bad, I knew he was back in a job somewhere lol”
by GarethC2010
Monday, February 04 2013, 12:42PM
“ant_hull.... since when... he was Mick McCarthy's assistant at Ipswich on Saturday ?”
by Ant_Hull
Monday, February 04 2013, 10:45AM
“Sport_Trader - Terry Connor is back as assistant to Dean Saunders.”
by manujoking
Monday, February 04 2013, 10:30AM
“if we dont do it this year then we have a great squad for next year with a few players in the summer utt”
by Sport_Trader
Monday, February 04 2013, 10:01AM
“How physically SICK must the Wolves board be feeling right now? Before he came to us they had the chance of appointing Steve Bruce but instead chose Terry Connor, or was is Solbakken?
Whichever one it was, and BOTH have since been sacked, they're not, in terms of football management, fit to tie the boot laces of Steve Bruce!”
by Spain2010
Monday, February 04 2013, 8:40AM
“I heard Palace were having a look at George Boyd? DJ Campbell may be available for a loan soon (lol, I would doubt QPR want him around!) I really hope we don't go there and let Blackburn pick up the bits.”
by EuroTiger
Monday, February 04 2013, 8:10AM
“'If there is someone out there who can improve us we'll have a look' ... George Boyd?”