Former Hull City goalkeeper Steve Harper has backed Steve Bruce to guide the Tigers back into the Premier League.

Despite spending a lot of money in the transfer market last season, Hull endured a torrid campaign which ultimately led to the club's bitter relegation to the Championship.

As a result, many have questioned the position of manager Bruce, however, recently departed keeper Harper believes that the current boss is still the right man to lead Hull and has stated his confidence that the 54-year old will guide the Tigers back to top flight football.

"I still see Steve Bruce as the right man (for the job). He has been here before," Harper told the Hull Daily Mail.

"He's not a stubborn manager. He'll know the reasons why they've ended up in that division and he can be the man to address that.

"We had a really good chat. He was a bit downbeat, it wasn't long after the season and he was disappointed with what had happened, but I've spoken to him since and he's looking forward to the challenge again.

"It's an attractive home fixture to start with (against another of Harper's former clubs Huddersfield) and hopefully they can get off to a good start with a win."