Hull City manager Steve Bruce has revealed that he would have been sacked if his side hadn't beaten Derby County in the Championship play-off semi-final.

The Tigers lost the second leg of the tie 2-0 to Derby at the KC Stadium on Tuesday but managed to progress with a 3-2 aggregate win following Saturday's 3-0 triumph at iPro Stadium.

Bruce also confirmed that he will discuss his current situation at the Humberside club following the play-off final against Sheffield Wednesday which will take place at Wembley on May 28.

"If I had lost tonight, I could have been sacked," said Bruce.

"With our profession at the moment, you ask the question constantly. I've been here now four years. As I always do, I'll sit down with the owners and when the final game is gone I'll see what happens."

Bruce was full of praise for his opponents following the 2-0 defeat.

"For how good we were on Saturday, we were bad tonight and it was the other way around for Derby," Bruce said. "Well done to them, they've responded after the stinging criticism they've had from all quarters.

"They caused us more problems in 30 minutes than I can remember for a long time. They got the start they wanted and we got nervous. When the own-goal went in it became one of those nervy nights - thankfully, in the second half we showed a bit of resilience.

"For a club like ours, it's a magnificent achievement. There's big clubs all around us - Derby are one of them, who have got a big support and have bought well. They've got good players. In that respect, we're really pleased."