Hull City manager Steve Bruce has claimed that it was no coincidence that his side's poor form started when Nikica Jelavic was out of action with an injury.

Jelavic scored in Hull's last win over Crystal Palace at the start of October, and Bruce believes that the Croatian's absence was a big reason behind the team's fall down the Premier League table.

The 29-year-old returned to play the last two games, and his manager is delighted to have him back to full fitness ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Everton at Goodison Park.

"It's just a shame that when he was starting to hit top form this season he picked up the knee injury," Bruce told reporters. "That set him back and set us back. For me, the loss of Jelavic started that little dip in form. That was the key.

"He might not be blessed with silky skills but he's got a heart as big as himself. We missed him so it's great to have him back."

Jelavic joined Hull from Everton on a three-and-a-half-year deal in January.