Bruce content to have shunned numbers game

The Tigers made just two additions – Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic – last month, a tally that contrasted sharply with the likes of Crystal Palace and Cardiff City who made six and five new signings respectively.

Both the Eagles and Bluebirds claimed victories within 24 hours of the mad scramble that had been their deadline-day attempts to strengthen. This led to a further concertina effect on the Premier League table, with just three points separating Cardiff in 19th from Stoke City in 11th.

Hull sit a couple of positions below the Potters in the table, but Bruce believes the January policy of bringing in a couple of key signings will pay dividends at the KC Stadium.

“We are hoping our two new arrivals will be the difference,” said the Tigers manager. “Then again, we have seen the likes of Palace and Fulham buying six or seven players.

“What I think we have added to the squad is that extra bit of quality. Cardiff have spent a lot and Fulham have had a big change around because they have had a difficult season. It is difficult to talk from afar.

“When you are a newly promoted team, you want to keep the core of the players who got you there, but then add that little bit of quality to the squad.

“No disrespect to the squad we had before but these are far different to what we have had before. Let’s hope so. That was the plan, anyway. That is why I went to the chairman and knocked the door. Let’s hope it works.”

Long and Jelavic linked up impressively against Spurs and Bruce admits to being delighted.

He added: “They did well and I was pleased for Shaun to score 12 minutes into his (home) debut. He is a delight. There is a lot of time when professionals are in the limelight and they do things that make us all cringe but he is one of those who I know lives his life properly, works hard and wants to play.”

Hull travel to in-form Sunderland, who along with reaching the Capital One Cup final have put together an impressive run of results to move out of the bottom three.

It will mark Bruce’s first return to the club who sacked him a couple of years ago.

“I was looking at Tottenham and I was disappointed we hadn’t won the game,” he said. “Then I come off and gave my head a shake and thought, ‘Hang on a minute’.

“That was the third time we have played them this season. We lost by a dubious penalty, drew in the (League) Cup then lost in a shootout and drew with them at home.

“So, we must be doing something okay.”