Blackburn Rovers v Hull City: Bruce offers sympathy but no points to Kean

So, perhaps understandably, the Hull City chief has a degree of sympathy for Steve Kean ahead of tonight’s Championship trip to Blackburn Rovers.

What that empathy will not extend to, however, is showing any understanding on the pitch as the Tigers look to pick off one of the pre-season promotion favourites.

“The crowd has turned a few times and that must make it a difficult situation for everyone at Blackburn,” said Bruce, who endured a difficult time at Sunderland last season when a section of the crowd vented their displeasure with him.

“I know what it is like when the crowd can turn on a manager but, unfortunately, that is how the game is these days.

“Our priority is ourselves and the one thing when you go away from home is that you have to get something.

“Blackburn are rightly considered favourites as the parachute payments make a huge difference because of the flexibility they give a manager.

“Players have to leave after relegation but a manager can also bring new ones in, as Blackburn have done this summer.

“That makes it a difficult game but it is also one we are looking forward to. We have something to build on after the weekend with a win already under our belt. Having said that, we have to improve as there were things (in the 1-0 win over Brighton) that need working on.”

As part of those attempts to put in a more consistent performance, Bruce is considering changes at Ewood Park.

It seems unlikely that the Hull chief will send out an XI with as many attack-minded players as faced the Seagulls on the opening day when Nick Proschwitz, Cameron Stewart, Aaron Mclean, Robert Koren and Sone Aluko started.

Bruce also admitted Jay Simpson, something of a forgotten man, did his own ambitions no harm by netting the winner against Brighton.

He added: “I was delighted for Jay as, along with the goal, he looked sharp. He has got talent, there is no doubt about that. Jay has a chance to do something and Saturday was a good start.”

Last six games: Blackburn Rovers LWLLLD, Hull City DWWLDW.

Last time: Blackburn Rovers 1 Hull City 0; February 10, 2010; Premier League.

Referee: A Bates (Staffs).