Sunday 7 December 2014 07:34, UK
Hull City manager Steve Bruce was quick to praise goalkeeper Allan McGregor following the 0-0 draw with West Brom at the KC Stadium.
The Scotland international made two crucial saves to earn the Tigers a point, first keeping out a ninth-minute penalty from Graham Dorrans and then superbly stopping Craig Gardner's second-half free-kick in Saturday's Premier League encounter.
Bruce said: "We have to thank our goalkeeper today. He’s produced two wonderful saves for us which has earned us the point. I think it would’ve been unjust if we had lost the game.
"When you pick up a point away from home, you’re happy, I’m sure Alan Irvine will be delighted. We huffed and puffed here and there was plenty of effort today, and endeavour. Their two centre-back’s had a brilliant day.
"I'm still convinced we've got enough in the squad to be better than we were last season and we have got enough to see us through."
Bruce was also forced to deny stories of a bust-up with Hatem Ben Arfa despite leaving the on-loan midfielder out of his squad for the game with West Brom.
The Newcastle loanee was hauled off after just 35 minutes of last week's 3-0 defeat at Manchester United and also omitted from the midweek draw at Everton.
But despite accusing Ben Arfa of "not hurting enough" during the Old Trafford defeat, Bruce insisted he is yet to make a decision on whether to extend Ben Arfa's loan spell which is due to run out in January.
Bruce said: "There's no bust-up - of course he's not happy about being taken off but he's got to be treated like everyone else and win his spurs back by trying hard and getting back in the team.
"There is no disputing he has got ability but ability is not enough at this level so he will be treated like everyone else. We will see what December and January brings and I will sit down with him and see where we are."
