Bruce keeping lid on hype as reunion awaits

Even the Tigers claiming a first win at Leeds United in a quarter of a century with a hugely impressive performance on Tuesday night is not enough to sway the vastly-experienced Geordie ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Leicester City.

“Of course it is pleasing that we have done okay in our first six games,” said the City manager to the Yorkshire Post. “Every manager wants to do that.

“But that is all it is. An okay start from our first six games. The Championship is a long, hard season and it can be a real tough slog. All manner of things can come into the equation, including injuries and suspension.

“So, as encouraging as the start has been, there is no way we will be getting carried away.”

The midweek win at Elland Road means City have posted their best start to a season since Terry Dolan’s side took 16 points from their opening six games in 1993-94.

That Hull, who were briefly fourth last term under Nick Barmby, went on to finish ninth that campaign despite such an impressive start shows why Bruce is wise to preach caution among the club’s followers.

He added: “I don’t take too much notice of the table at the moment.

“Instead, I take the season more in groups of games. Where we are at the quarter mark and then again at halfway.

“There is such a long way to go that looking at the table right now isn’t too useful. Having said that, I’d rather be where we are than near the bottom so we have to be happy with our start.”

Tomorrow will see City go head-to-head with former manager Nigel Pearson for the third time since his acrimonious departure to Leicester in November last year.

The Tigers triumphed 2-1 just a couple of weeks after Pearson had quit but the Foxes exacted revenge in March with a victory by the same scoreline despite having Neil Danns sent off for an awful lunge at Paul McKenna.

Bruce said: “I have known him over the years but I can’t say he is a friend of mine or anything like that. Obviously, he used to be manager here so there will be a bit of an extra edge for some of the players who played under him.

“But it would be a big test anyway. Leicester are decent at home with three wins on the bounce so we will have to be at our best again.”

Seyi Olofinjana is rated as 50-50 to recover from the hamstring strain that kept the Nigerian out of the midweek win at Leeds so Corry Evans stands by.