Squad strength vital as Hull City near promotion finish line
HULL City manager Steve Bruce says he will continue to use the strength of his squad to the full as he seeks to lead the Tigers to automatic promotion.
Bruce shored up City's leaky defence by dropping captain Robert Koren to the bench for Monday's 1-0 win at Burnley.
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Hull City captain Robert Koren in training
It saw him employ his son Alex in a holding midfield role, as City arrested a run in which they had conceded 10 goals in a week with a first clean-sheet in five games.
Now, as they prepare to welcome in-form Nottingham Forest to the KC Stadium tomorrow, Bruce faces a decision over whether to return to a more attacking midfield by bringing Koren back into the starting line-up.
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But whatever team he picks, he says all players accept decisions are being made for the good of the squad after a challenging season.
"Robert has probably started 34 games this year and he is 32 years old," Bruce said explaining his selection thoughts.
"We can see now, not just by the naked eye, that it is impossible for him to play Saturday, then midweek, then Saturday and keep up to the level that is required.
"Sometimes players need a break and Robert is sensible enough to know that we left him out and made a change as we wanted to tighten up.
"He was okay with that, there's no problem.
"We tweaked it around and worked hard defensively, but there will be no knee jerk reactions in terms of selections.
"Is there a temptation to change it this weekend at home? We will have to see what tomorrow brings."
Bruce was delighted to see Koren combine with fellow substitute Jay Simpson to tee up Stephen Quinn's winner at Burnley on Monday.
And he feels the victory suggested his side has the strength to hold on to a top-two spot.
He added: "They gave us that little bit of quality that we needed, and that is sometimes what you need in tight games."
3 Comments
by fez_2
Friday, March 15 2013, 8:52PM
“We have great options and teams will have difficulty sussing us. As for the sun, I could do with some too, as long as it is not in my eyes tomorrow!”
by SnothillBaz
Friday, March 15 2013, 1:08PM
“Not until he's proved himself. To be fair I don't think he was even half match fit when he arrived, he has looked ring-rusty, but promising, in appearances so far. Both Gedo and Fathi will improve beyond all recognition when the sunshine comes out in a couple of weeks, they just need some sun and warmth on their backs to get the best out of them. Yes, even Gedo can be better than we've seen so far!”
by Cluhead
Friday, March 15 2013, 12:47PM
“Can we see Fathi in action tomorrow please?????????”