Wolves 1 Hull City 1: Bruce laments McGregor howler as victory slips from Tigers’ grasp

The goalkeeper signed a new glove deal on Saturday but let the ball slip through his fingers to gift James Henry a second-half equaliser in the 1-1 draw.

The Scotland international dropped Nouha Dicko’s cross - in front of his watching national manager Gordon Strachan - after Nikica Jelavic’s penalty had put Hull ahead.

Bruce said: “The one thing in football management you can’t legislate for is human error. He probably hasn’t done that since he was 10.

“It’s now how he deals with it, which is the key. I cannot disguise the fact it was one of those howlers which has cost us the match.

“He’s certainly a strong character, he is going to need to be.

“When you’re a keeper it’s highlighted. He has to cope with it and deal with it and come back and show his teeth a bit. He’ll never have a moment like that again.”

Chuba Akpom hit the post and was twice denied by fellow Arsenal loanee Emiliano Martinez in the Wolves goal.

Bruce was happy with a point and is now focused on surviving a fire-sale at the KC Stadium before the transfer window shuts, with Tom Huddlestone linked with West Ham.

“We have lost 14 players and brought in five or six but the transfer window is still three weeks away,” he said.

“I’ve had enquiries from 15 clubs about players. It’s no secret they have buy-outs (clauses). There’s three weeks to go, I hope we can hold on to them but if I was a betting man I would be betting against it.”

Benik Afobe’s shot was cleared off the line inside the first 30 seconds while Dicko wasted several chances for Wolves.

The hosts were on top for long spells but boss Kenny Jackett settled for the point.

He added: “It probably was a fair result, we put in a good performance and I’m pleased with a lot of aspects.

“We were probably unlucky to go behind on the balance of play. We kept going and got a little fortunate with the goal.

“The last 10 minutes, when the energy went out of the game, Hull’s quality on the ball really showed. They are a good side and a good yardstick.”