Bruce not tuning in as Tigers wait on Watford

The Tigers, four points clear of nearest rivals Watford with two games remaining, will be promoted tonight if Gianfranco Zola’s men lose against Leicester City at the KP Stadium.

Should the Hornets, however, draw or win then Bruce’s men will need to at least match that result at Oakwell to go up. Bruce said: “In my mind, I think we will need a point at Barnsley. I expect Watford to get some sort of result and I would think that might be a draw.

“If that is the case then we will need a draw from the last two games.”

Asked if he will be watching the game at Leicester live on Sky, the Tigers manager replied: “No, I won’t. Why put yourself through that? I’d be kicking every ball and be exhausted before Saturday has come around.

“I wouldn’t blame the players for watching it but I will steer clear. It is important not to get too involved in Watford’s game at Leicester because it will be up to us to go to Barnsley and get a result.

“The way I see it panning out, we will need to get something (at Oakwell). That is my mindset and it won’t change.

“If Leicester win, great. But they might not and we have got to be ready for Saturday afternoon.”

City could have taken a giant stride towards promotion a week ago only to be held to a goalless draw at home by relegated Bristol City.

There was an unmistakable sense of deflation around the KC Stadium at the final whistle. Bruce was well aware of that, which is why he has taken a break from the norm this week in an attempt to relax his players.

The Tigers chief said: “We went to Hornsea on Tuesday for a jog along the beach and a paddle in the sea. We had fish and chips too, which I have to say were marvellous.

“By the end, we were all goosed with the sea air. It was just something a little bit different to get the players away from it all.

“Whichever way you look at it, we know it is a huge weekend and it is all about how we handle it. I know we will be better this week than last week. We were too anxious and determined to do too well.

“It is a big game and a big occasion. Win and we are promoted, it is as simple as that. What a fantastic position to be in.

“Let’s just hope it is written in the stars for us.”