Brady comes ‘from nowhere’ to be in frame for place at Wembley with Hull

The Tigers will be bidding to become the first Yorkshire club to lift the famous old trophy in 42 years when they take on Arsenal at Wembley this Saturday.

Arsene Wenger’s men are the overwhelming favourites, which is why Bruce believes neutrals will be rooting for his team.

And the Hull chief has been boosted further by the sudden return to training of wing-back Brady, who has not played since mid-February after undergoing groin surgery.

The Republic of Ireland international, still Hull’s joint second-highest goalscorer in the league this term with three goals, was not expected to be available until pre-season.

But Bruce said last night: “Brady has come from nowhere in the last couple of weeks.

“It is amazing what an FA Cup final does. We have seen him in training for the first time in six months so it has been incredible.”

The possible return of Brady to the squad comes on the back of the final league day boost that saw the return to action of long-term injury absentees Paul McShane and Allan McGregor, while Sone Aluko also had a rare start after ankle trouble. All have reported no ill-effects to playing in the 2-0 defeat to Everton.

The Tigers’ chief added: “The hardest job I have got is picking the 11, especially when it is such a big day. McShane had been out 16 or 17 weeks before Sunday and McGregor six or seven weeks. Aluko has been on and off for three or four months now.

“We have to make sure everyone is right and in the right frame of mind. They have got to be right because it will be red-hot on Saturday. You have to have everyone 100 per cent fit.”

Bruce played in three 
FA Cup finals as a player with Manchester United, but Saturday will be new ground for him as a manager.

With Wigan Athletic triumphing a year ago, Hull know that against the odds victories do happen.

He said: “As a player, my first final was over in a blur. Not many of the players are married but I told them it’s a bit like your wedding day. Before you know it, you are married and, before you know it, the FA Cup final has gone.

“That is what it was like for me. You have got to try to grasp the occasion and enjoy it. If you are not careful, it just goes past you.

“I have experienced losing but, more importantly, I have experienced winning. So let’s hope it is our day.

“We must be rank outsiders, but that is the beauty of the FA Cup.

“That is what we saw last year. Man City were huge favourites, but Wigan won the thing.

“That is why, for me, the FA Cup is the greatest competition. There have always been shocks.

“Of course, Arsenal are favourites. But it is a one-off game, and everyone enjoys a shock. If you are not an Arsenal fan, I am sure the rest of the world will be rooting for Hull.

“For me, Wigan winning last year brought back a bit of the glamour to the competition.

“That was my approach this year. I thought we are never going to win the league, but we’ve got a chance to win six games and win the FA Cup. We have won five, can we get the final one?”