Bruce believes 'bright and lively' Simpson can play another big role after goal
JAY Simpson has been challenged to end the season in the same vein it began after calling time on his four-month goal drought.
The 24-year-old provided the most uplifting tale of a disappointing night when Hull City slipped to a 4-2 loss at Crystal Palace last week, scoring his first goal since November 6 during a bright cameo off the bench.
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Jay Simpson
A seventh goal of the season finally came at the 21st attempt to end a painful wait for Simpson in the Tigers' attack and reminded manager Steve Bruce of the striker's worth as the season straightens out for home.
City's on-loan strike-force of George Boyd and Gedo are expected to retain their places at Burnley this evening, but Bruce wants Simpson to rekindle the fires that brought him five goals in the first nine games of the season.
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"Jay looked bright and lively, the rest has probably done him good," said Bruce, who has overlooked Simpson in City's last four games.
"He's been involved in the majority of games this year and he's probably played more football this year than he's done in his life.
"The rest came at the right time and hopefully it's worked a treat. Let's hope he can go on a bit of a run and finish the season as well as he started it.
"He reminded us of what a good player he can be and he certainly gives us another great option.
"A striker, no matter what you say to them, thinks about the goals they score.
"Jay has led the line manfully for us over the course of the season and although he's not scored as many as he'd have liked, he's played a big part for us."
Simpson's seventh of the season, a clever header evocative of an audacious attempt he scored at Ipswich two years ago, sees him heading to Turf Moor this evening bettered by only two players in City's scoring charts.
Sone Aluko, who has missed the last two months with an Achilles injury, has been joined by Robert Koren at the top of the list after the captain scored his eighth of the season in the 5-2 rout against Birmingham nine days ago.
The arrival of Boyd and Bruce's hint towards playing a tighter midfield leaves Koren's place in some doubt at Burnley this evening, but the City boss remains content with the Slovenian's contributions.
"He's had 33 starts out of 36 games and if I have got a weakness in management, I'm not inclined to leave people out as much as others would," said Bruce, discussing the two-time promotion winner with West Brom.
"I've asked him to play out of position for long periods and his best position is to come from deep.
"But he's still got eight goals and on course for 10. He always gives you that value and in my eyes he's had a good season.
"He can be a big player for us. He's been here, done it and got the T-shirt so I would hope nothing's going to faze him in the last few weeks."
City travel to East Lancashire this evening knowing victory would see them reclaim the initiative in the Championship's automatic promotion race and lift them to within three points of league-leaders Cardiff.
Weekend defeats for Watford and Leicester, as well as just a point for Crystal Palace, have left the door wide open and Bruce is calling for another show of character from his men.
"We've got a stat where it's something like 80 per cent of the times you score first, you win the match," he said. "It sums this league up. One week we've got one of the best defences in the division and then we go and concede 10 in three games.
"We've responded brilliantly this season and the onus must be on us to produce the same sort of reaction as we did after the Bolton defeat (a 5-2 win over Birmingham)."
7 Comments
by Ant_Hull
Monday, March 11 2013, 4:16PM
“gjhdurham.
Do you even watch let alone attend any of the games? Did I just read that you put Jay Simpson holds the ball up well? Is the pope islamic in your world?
Simpson is WOEFUL at holding the ball up, he is far to weak to utilise as a target man and when he came on at the end of the Birmingham game the other week he lost the ball EVERY single time he recieved it.
He grafts and works hard, I will give him that, but where did that get Aaron McLean (who for me is a all-round better player)? Shipped out on loan.
For me, his future does not lie in this team. With Aluko, Fryatt, Gedo (Potentially), McLean (possible loan return) & Proschwitz on the books as well as Boyd who can play up there we already have a number of striking options and unless he finds his already patchy firing boots he won't be here come next season.”
by HCAFCscarb
Monday, March 11 2013, 4:08PM
“I wouldn't drop Koren because he is a player who can have a quiet game , then out of nothing can pop up with the winner... I would not play Bruce junior in midfield either .. I would play Fathi and i hope he get a start tonight . 2-1 the Tigers tonight ..”
by HCAFCscarb
Monday, March 11 2013, 4:08PM
“I wouldn't drop Koren because he is a player who can have a quiet game , then out of nothing can pop up with the winner... I would not play Bruce junior in midfield either .. I would play Fathi and i hope he get a start tonight . 2-1 the Tigers tonight ..”
by killer127
Monday, March 11 2013, 3:46PM
“Simpson, for all his hard work is employed as a striker, he has had more than enough chances in the first team to prove he is a "striker", he hasnt taken them, if a player like Gedo, who has never played in England can come in and score 5 in 7, Simpson should be in double figures, if he scored half the chances he get in front of goal he would the leagues top scorer, he isnt good enough, if you just want a workhouse bring back Aaron Mclean who works just as hard, but has only had a handful of chances to show it, especially now we have his old parter in crime Boyd. If Simpson cant score at this level how is expected to step up to the Premiership if City get promoted. Nothing against him, I just dont believe he is good enough.”
by gjhdurham
Monday, March 11 2013, 1:06PM
“The back 3 need a shake up after sloppy work in the last 3 games...Faye in? I'd play Meyler and Fathi holding with Simpson...who holds the ball up well....and Gedo up front to keep the defence busy. However, I suspect that Bruce Jnr will feature in midfield, which will make me very nervous!! Everything crossed...more than ever ....for tonight! UTT!!”
by VoiceNreason
Monday, March 11 2013, 10:57AM
“Time for Koren to rest and be fresh for saturdays game with Nottingham Forest.
Boyd to play in the hole behind Gedo and Simpson for me.
Maybe McShane in for Bruce.
Otherwise same again lads and Win the game for 2nd spot tonight. Its all in our hands now.”
by northern_dan
Monday, March 11 2013, 9:12AM
“Agree Cluhead, Simmo has battered teams this season and when fans go on about his goal record is poor one has to remind them of his work output. Him and McShane have worked their socks off this term. He looks strong and in good shape, love him to come on and score the winner tonight but this is Burney and Sky are there so who knows......UTT”
by Cluhead
Monday, March 11 2013, 8:12AM
“Simmo has been a great player for us, I think a lot of people don't look at his overall contribution. His movement off the ball is excellent in spliting defences open, It's just such a shame he has not received the ball when he's made some fantastic runs. I'm a firm believer that he hasn't received the ball as much as he would like and his work rate is as good as Paul McShanes. I hope he gets his chance to show what he is capable of tonight and would love to see him win the game for us! Come on Jay! You can do it!”