Alex Bruce "quietly confident" of Hull City's Europa League progression

Alex Bruce has said that he is "quietly confident" that Hull City will progress to the group stage of the Europa League next week.

The Tigers played to a goalless draw with AS Trencin of Slovakia in their qualifier last night, and play the second leg at the KC Stadium next Thursday.

The defender told BT Sport: "It was a tough game for us, particularly because we've only had a couple of friendlies and they are into their season.

"Friendlies aren't the same as competitive matches so they were just that bit fitter than us, running round like whippets, which is a bit of a leveller.

"If it was during the season and we were at peak fitness and match sharp I'm sure we would have won quite handsomely. But we have had the benefit of that game now and I'm sure we'll be quietly confident of doing the job at home."

Hull qualified for the tournament after reaching the final of last season's FA Cup, as eventual winners Arsenal were already guaranteed a Champions League spot.