Everton v Hull City: Hull boss Bruce ready to recall Tigers’ old guard to end losing streak

The Tigers have lost their last four games in a row to slip into relegation trouble.

It is comfortably the worst run of Bruce’s 29-month reign and considering the flat nature of City’s display in losing 3-0 at Manchester United last weekend, the 53-year-old seems ready to hand a rare start to the likes of David Meyler and Sone Aluko.

The duo have started just one Premier League game between them all season, while others in contention for a possible recall at Everton tonight include Liam Rosenior and Stephen Quinn. Bruce said: “A couple of results change everything and that is what we have got to believe in.

“We have got a huge seven or eight games coming up in the next four or five weeks. Considering the season has been going four months and we have played 13 games, shows you where we are at with it.

“There is no question that we need to go and get ourselves back on track and win two or three of these games of the next seven or eight. December and January is always a vital time for that very reason.”

On his plan to shake things up in the wake of another below par display at Old Trafford, Bruce added: “The one thing we did particularly well last year was that we changed.

“We had an adaptability to us that was a big strength. So, yes, it is in my mind (to make changes) and there is a good chance we’ll freshen it up.

“If I have to go back to Meyler, Quinny, Rosenior, then I’d have no problem with that. They’re just as important to me as any player. We know because of the last couple of years what they are capable of.”

City’s four-game losing run has seen Bruce’s men slide from the top half of the table but the 53-year-old insists results will soon turn.

He added: “There isn’t a load wrong. We have lost games by the odd goal and then the big disappointment was Burnley. And then Saturday when we were well beaten by a really good Manchester United team.

“You find out when the chips are down about everybody in your squad. We’ve had it one way for two years, it’s the first time in my reign that we’ve come under a little bit. I still think we are better equipped than we were last year. I still think we will finish higher than we did last year. That is the aim I am going to try and push out there.”

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