Peter Swan: Steve Bruce is building a Hull City side fit for the Premier League

BIRMINGHAM City boss Lee Clark summed things up perfectly after seeing his side destroyed by Hull City at the KC Stadium.

"Steve Bruce is a Premier League manager", he said, "And Hull City are lucky to have someone like him as their boss."

I'm sure you won't find many Tigers fans disagreeing, as at present, Bruce looks set to take City back to the Premier League in his first season at the club.

And in my opinion, he is well on his way to building a side capable of competing and holding its own in the top flight too.

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The manager really hasn't put a foot wrong since he walked in the door at the KC Stadium.

And Clark, a man who was keen on the job at the Tigers himself last summer, was quick to stress that.

Bruce has repeatedly got the best out of his players this season, and that is why I am confident his side will see the job through and claim one of the top two spots.

We have seen throughout the campaign that he has kept players on their toes, with not one of his men assured of his place week after week.

I was asked at full-time on Saturday whether Gedo and George Boyd would be the pairing up front between now and the end of the season.

My answer was no, and that is because I know that at some stage, Bruce will feel it needs a freshen up, and he won't be afraid to change it.

We have seen that all season long. Players have not been left out of the side for prolonged periods, and when a change has been needed, those on the bench have been afforded their chance.

That has bred a great team spirit and a trust in the manager from his players which has united them.

It is not about a team, it is about a squad, and since he arrived in the summer, Bruce has continually added strength to his side.

Credit must also go to the owners for that, but it also shows the trust they have in him to do the job right.

Bruce now has a side with quality players on the bench who would get into most starting sides in the Championship.

And when he has needed to show his experience, calm his players and make sure they bounce back after a setback, he has delivered the goods.

Bruce really has had the 'Midas' touch all season, as almost every decision he has made has gone right.

In recent weeks this has been emphasised by the additions of Gedo and Boyd.

They have come in and have brought a new attacking flair to the City side and a new momentum just when they have needed it.

What I particularly like about these two additions is, in my opinion, they could both handle the step up to the Premier League.

Elsewhere in the side and the likes of Stephen Quinn, Ahmed Elmohamady, David Meyler and Robbie Brady would all do well in the top flight.

Bruce is building for promotion, and City have the basis already of a side which could hold its own.

One point would be a good return from a tricky trip to face Crystal Palace tonight, but I can't see any reason why City can't take all three.