Hull City boss Steve Bruce insists Curtis Davies remains in his plans.

The 29-year-old has been warming the subs' bench since the 3-0 home defeat to Newcastle on January 31.

"Curtis had a fantastic year last season and rightly won player of the year awards," said Bruce. "He always gives you nothing but 100 per cent but at the time (post Newcastle) we needed a change.

"There are times when everyone doesn't play as well as they would like to.

"He's worked hard on the training ground and he's accepted it. He's been the man that I expected he would be and got on with it.

"It's up to him to keep plugging away because there's no doubt his chance will come again, that's for certain.

"When it comes, I'm sure he'll grasp it."