Hull City boss Steve Bruce: 'Middlesbrough showdown is a statement match'

Hull City boss Steve Bruce has told his players to stake their claim for an immediate return to the Premier League by defeating Middlesbrough in their clash on Saturday.

Both sides were named among the favourites to earn promotion to the top flight before the start of the campaign and have lived up to the billing by securing places in the top four after 15 matches.

Hull moved to the top of the table for the first time this season by beating Brentford in midweek, and Bruce is hopeful that his side can remain there by taking three points from their clash against Aitor Karanka's men.

"It's a big game at the top end of the Championship," Bruce told reporters. "Nothing is going to be decided from the outcome, but it will give you an idea of where you are and where you're up to.

"We've played very, very well of late and we're on a good run, so let's hope that we can continue that against one of the in-form teams in the Championship."

The Tigers face Middlesbrough at the KC Stadium on Saturday.