Bruce laments Hull’s surrendering of point to Sunderland

But, in terms of Hull City’s prospects for this season, there were some important pluses and minuses from an entertaining contest that the Yorkshire side dominated only to concede an equaliser on 77 minutes.

The grounds for optimism included an impressive team display, capped by a delightful flicked goal by Dame N’Doye that saw the Senegal international net for the third time in as many appearances at the KC.

Hull had width and plenty of invention, and there could be little doubting that Sunderland were fortunate to leave the East Riding with a point.

On the negative side, however, the inability to kill off an opponent that was on the ropes is a worry, as was the profligate nature of Hull’s finishing.

“It was disappointing,” said defender Alex Bruce. “I thought we were the better team. We created a lot more than they did but didn’t take our chances.

“We should have won, but sometimes you have games like that. I also think their goal (by Jack Rodwell) was handball.

“I saw it. I was claiming for it when he put the ball in the net. To be honest, I thought it was going in anyway.

“He didn’t need to touch it but he definitely put it in with his arm as it went in. It was disappointing but it could be a big point, who knows? It might be the point that keeps us up.

“We have to look forward. We will batten down the hatches and see where we go from there.”

Tuesday was not, by any means, the first time Hull had surrendered a lead late in a game this season.

Stoke, West Ham, Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester City have all pegged the Tigers back and if just a couple of those draws had been turned into wins then the Tigers’ position would look a lot more comfortable.

As it is, the trip to Leicester’s King Power Stadium a week on Saturday has the look of a fixture that could go a long way towards deciding how the final couple of months will pan out.

Win, and Bruce’s men will be in a healthy place. Lose, and a run-in that starts with Chelsea at home on March 22 and includes meetings with Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham could spell danger.

“Leicester away next is another six-pointer,” said the Tigers defender. “So, hopefully, we can go there and get a result.

“We owe them one because they won here, so it is a big game.”

Hull’s prospects have risen lately thank to the easing of an injury crisis that, at one stage, kept out eight first-team players.

The return of Abel Hernandez and Nikica Jelavic, even allowing for the latter’s below-par display against Sunderland, has been a big factor, as has the arrival of N’Doye on the final day of the transfer window.

Bruce faces all three strikers – who cost the club a hefty £20m – in training every day and he admits to being heartened by his team-mates return to fitness.

“We have got some good strikers who are all capable of scoring goals,” he said. “We have got that little bit of quality from the bench who can come on as well.

“Hopefully, that can be the difference between staying up and not. All bring a big physical presence who will be a handful for anyone, especially when ‘Jela’ and N’Doye play.“

N’Doye, rested against Stoke last weekend after spending the previous few days travelling to Senegal and Moscow, produced the outstanding moment of Tuesday’s draw with a wonderful flick to convert Tom Huddlestone’s early free-kick.

He was also denied what seemed a certain goal late in the second half by a fine save from Costel Pantilimon.

Bruce said: “He is a threat and he always gets a chance. That is good for the team. He has got a knack for goals and I’m sure he’ll be a good acquisition between now and the end of the season.”