Steve Bruce: 'George Boyd eager to return'

Hull City boss Steve Bruce has revealed that George Boyd is looking forward to returning to the squad this weekend following his three-match ban for spitting at Joe Hart.

The Scot was suspended by the Football Association after a confrontation between himself and the Manchester City goalkeeper during a game at the KC Stadium last month.

Despite having to sit out his team's last three matches, Bruce insists that Boyd will have lost none of his enthusiasm ahead of Saturday's encounter with Swansea City in the Premier League.

"George is fine. He was obviously disappointed at the time but he'll not let it get to him," Bruce told the Hull Daily Mail. The one thing about George is that he trains every day as if it's his last. You can't keep him down.

"He's one of these players who realises what a great job he's got. Even though he's not played every week, he's always got a smile on his face.

"He's an absolute joy to watch train and I'm sure he'll want to grab every chance that comes his way between now and the end of the season."

Hull are currently in 14th place in the table, eight points above the relegation zone.