Hull City v Derby County - '˜We can't just turn up and expect to win second leg' insists Steve Bruce

The Tigers avenged Derby County’s league double during the regular season with a stunning 3-0 first-leg triumph.

Strikes by Abel Hernandez and Andrew Robertson either side of Jason Shackell’s own goal mean Hull are odds on favourites to progress to the May 28 final when these two clubs meet again tomorrow.

MATCH REPORT - Derby County 0 Hull City 3: Steve Bruce’s tactical strategy central to Tigers’ win

Despite that, Bruce said: “As far as I am concerned, it is not over. It is going to be difficult for Derby, don’t get me wrong. But if my four years at this club have taught me anything it is we don’t seem to do things easy.

“We always try our best to make a mess of it one way or the other. We have got to try and make sure we guard against complacency and do what we have to do.

“Derby beat us 2-0 at our place (in November). They are the only team to beat us all season at the KC. So, if we think we’re just going to turn up and go through then we’re very much mistaken.”

Despite Bruce’s caution, what would be only a third all-Yorkshire play-off final in 30 years is a distinct possibility following a weekend that began with Sheffield Wednesday beating Brighton 2-0 at Hillsborough.

The Tigers’ manager missed that game on television due to the Super League clash between Hull FC and Wigan Warriors being shown instead at the team hotel.

“There were a load of Hull fans who wanted the frigging rugby on,” laughed Bruce. “I couldn’t believe it.”

Bruce may not have been able to tune in on Friday but he is well aware of just how close Wembley is possibly to staging an all-White Rose affair.

“It would be fabulous for the area,” he added.

“I said back in October after we played at Hillsborough that this was the best Sheffield wednesday team I have seen for some time.”