Bruce out to cure goal problem

Steve Bruce: Admits there is a lot to improve upon after shootout win over Rotherham

Hull City boss Steve Bruce is eyeing new additions after seeing his side scrape past Rotherham in the Capital One Cup.

Aaron McLean equalised after Lionel Ainsworth had scored a brilliant goal to give the League Two side the lead and the Tigers required penalties to see off their battling opponents.

Bruce watched his side waste a series of glaring openings and believes the squad will need further strengthening before the transfer window closes.

"The disappointing thing about this pre-season is that we have picked up a lot of niggling injuries," he said.

"We're a bit short in the middle of midfield, but we do have some players to come back."

"I thought we started off the first half well and should have been at least two up as we had some great chances.

"The disappointing thing was that we missed those chances.

Problem

"You can't put a stamp on these things in nine weeks, though. It was clear last season when they scored 40 odd goals but finished eighth that there was a problem with scoring goals.

"But we have got some good players - a really good, honest bunch - and I know we will be fine.

"I went into the game with the very open plan to try to open the match up, but some of our players needed that game time.

"For Abdoulaye Faye, Matty Fryatt and Liam Rosenior, it was almost like a pre-season game.

"There is a lot to improve upon, but we created lots of opportunities and some of our play in the first half was superb.

"We have had three or four one-on-ones and breakaways where we missed the final pass.

"Rotherham were big and strong. When you play against one of his (manager Steve Evans') teams, you know have to stand up and be counted."

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