Steve Bruce: 'Home support is key'

Hull City boss Steve Bruce has claimed that home support will be key when the team welcomes Everton to the KC Stadium tomorrow.

The Tigers currently sit above the relegation zone on goal difference following three defeats in their last four games.

Despite some discontent among the club's fans, Bruce is eager for everyone to get behind the side when they face the Toffees on New Year's Day.

"The support that we have received this season both home and away has been absolutely fantastic," he told Hull's official website. "Everton on New Year's Day is undoubtedly a huge fixture for us and it is important that our fans continue to get behind the team in very much the same fashion as we look to bounce back from Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Leicester City.

"Victory over Everton could be the springboard we need going into 2015, and I ask our fans to get right behind the lads and be our 12th man when Roberto Martinez's side come to town."

Hull earned a 1-1 draw with Everton when the teams met at Goodison Park on December 3.