'˜This is most important part of season,' claims Hull City chief Steve Bruce

The Tigers host Milton Keynes Dons tomorrow and then Nottingham Forest on Tuesday before heading to Middlesbrough for a key promotion showdown a week tonight.

With City having slipped to fourth, their lowest standing in 2016, due to being involved in Cup action against Arsenal in midweek, Bruce knows his side need to head into the international break that follows the Boro encounter on a high.

“The distraction of the FA Cup is over now,” said the Tigers manager, whose side lost 4-0 to the Gunners on Tuesday night. “We have got a couple of games in hand on a lot of teams so we have to take advantage.

“Seven of our last 12 games are at home so I urge the supporters to really get behind the team. Now is the most important part of the season.”

Bruce will revert to the starting XI that he has employed in league games, which means David Meyler could drop out following his howler that handed Arsenal the lead on Tuesday night.

The Irishman’s gaffe – where he passed the ball straight to Olivier Giroud – was a big moment in the tie but the Hull manager said: “He didn’t have to say anything (after the mistake). Listen, David Meyler has been fantastic for this football club and, sadly, he made a horrible mistake.

“We have all done it, these things happen. Let’s just hope it is out of the way now and he will not make any more like that. Meyler’s strength of character can never be questioned.

“He might a little bit short technically at times but the guy plays with a huge heart. He is the type of lad you want in your squad.

“It will be difficult for him. I am sure he went home and kicked the cat but he will get over it.”