McGregor urged to come back stronger by Hull City boss Bruce

STEVE BRUCE has backed Allan McGregor to bounce back from the calamitous error that yesterday denied Hull City victory.
Hull City goalkeeper Allan McGregor.Hull City goalkeeper Allan McGregor.
Hull City goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

The Scottish international inexplicably made a mess of what should have been a routine catch to literally hand Wolverhampton Wanderers an equaliser.

Coming just hours after McGregor’s new glove sponsor, The One Glove Company, had launched a publicity campaign bigging up their signing, the howler left the City goalkeeper red-faced at the final whistle.

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It was the latest in a long line of mistakes by the 33-year-old, who was dropped for last season’s run-in, but Bruce insists the Scot has the character to cope with the fall-out from the 1-1 draw at Molinuex.

“What matters now is how he deals with it,” said Bruce.

“He probably hasn’t done that since he was 10-years-old. Knowing Allan McGregor, he will never have a moment like that again.

“For a goalkeeper of his ability, it was a horrible mistake. A simple catch. He caught one straight afterwards. You just don’t think it is possible to drop it.

“There is no doubt about it, that was one of those howlers that cost us the match. You can’t disguise that.

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“But there is no-one more disappointed than Allan. He is a strong character and he is going to need to be. When you are a goalkeeper and make a mistake, it is always highlighted. Especially live on the TV.

“He has to cope with it and deal with it. And come back, show his teeth a bit.”

McGregor’s blunder meant James Henry was able to cancel out a first-half penalty from Nikica Jelavic and ensure both sides claimed a point apiece from an entertaining game.

Bruce confirmed after the 1-1 draw that City had made no further progress in the attempts to sign either Brentford striker Andre Gray or Shaun Maloney, the Scottish international now at MLS side Chicago Fire.

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He also denied any bids had been received for Tom Huddlestone or any City player – despite widespread weekend speculation linking the highly-regarded midfielder with a move to West Ham.

Bruce, 54, admits that holding on to the club’s big name players remains difficult with the transfer window not due to shut until Tuesday, September 1 at 5pm.

“I have had enquiries from 15 clubs about some of our players,” said Bruce. “But no bids for anyone, at the minute.“

Asked about the weekend reports on Huddlestone, Bruce replied: “Tom Huddlestone’s agent will be ringing round every club in the world, saying he has a buy-out.

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“At the end of the day, he has lost 40-50 per cent of his salary (following relegation). With losing your salary comes these buy-outs. Anyone who triggers those buy-outs, West Ham or anyone, I am powerless.

“There are two weeks to go and I hope to hold on to them. But, if I was a betting man, I would be betting against that.

“A big problem is that if two or three (bids) come on deadline day, that leaves me chronically short. I can’t really do anything.

“I haven’t got a crystal ball to look into but this has been my hardest time because I am not in control. We just have to wait.”

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