Steve Bruce backs Hatem Ben Arfa to shine at Hull City

Hull City manager Steve Bruce believes that he can get the best out of Hatem Ben Arfa after signing the player on transfer deadline day.

The 27-year-old was sent to train with the youth and reserve sides at Newcastle United after falling out with Magpies boss Alan Pardew.

Bruce is confident that Ben Arfa, who is on loan to the Tigers for the rest of the season, will be fit enough to play first-team football soon and will have an impact when he does.

"I don't think he's fit enough to go straight in at the start because he hasn't played 90 minutes for I don't know how long," Bruce told Sky Sports News.

"But that's what you get when you've been ostracised, having to work with the Under-21s. You are going to miss the intensity of playing and training, that's pretty normal. So he's still got a bit to do fitness-wise.

"He's going to have a big part to play here because he gives us the flexibility to play whatever formation we like. All I want him to do is go out there and enjoy playing again, feel wanted, be part of the club and be appreciated."

Hull face West Ham United at the KC Stadium this evening.