Hull City boss Steve Bruce admits their struggles this season has surprised him.

Bruce insists that Hull will still be up for the survival fight ahead.

He said: "It has been a bit of a toil for us but even with the all problems we've got we were very comfortable (against West Brom until Albion's 78th-minute winner).

"It's been the story of the season so far and certainly we need that to turn around for us and a bit of luck in that situation - to have eight or nine out is huge for a club like ours.

"But bring on next week, and we'll keep on fighting.

"It's so close and so tight (in the relegation battle) that it's scary - there's eight teams in it and I said all along there would be.

"I didn't envisage it being this tight but it's all to play for."