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Steve Bruce demands Hull not let up against Derby in Championship play-off semi-final second leg

Hull City's Curtis Davies celebrates his side's second goal
Image: Hull City's Curtis Davies celebrates his side's second goal against Derby in the first leg

Hull boss Steve Bruce insists his side will not sit on their Sky Bet Championship play-off first-leg advantage as they aim to complete the job against Derby, live on Sky Sports 2.

A scintillating display on Saturday at the iPro Stadium earned Hull a 3-0 win over Derby going into the second leg at home on Tuesday.

Bruce has no inclination to simply protect the lead and is instead vowing to book a third Wembley visit in three years in style.

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"It's very difficult to send a team out there to go and draw so we will go and be positive and try and win the match again," Bruce said. "That's always got to be our attitude.

"It's never over that's for sure. It's an old cliche but it's half-time. We've seen teams come back in the past so we have got to be professional about it and do what we have to do and make sure there is no complacency.

"We have to be ruthless in what we do and by hook or by crook make sure we are through. It's a great opportunity we have given ourselves, that's all that it is.

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Highlights of the Championship play-off semi-final between Derby and Hull at the iPro Stadium

"We have got another game of football against a good side, who are are hurting and disappointed I am sure. They will be wanting to put things right and we have to be wary of that and if we play anything like we did on Saturday then we have got an outstanding chance."

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The Tigers left Derby stunned with the manner of their victory on Saturday, especially as the Rams had recorded a double over Hull in the regular season.

As a result, Bruce is guarding his side against a backlash.

Tom Ince of Derby County looks dejected as Hull City players celebrate
Image: Steve Bruce warns Derby will be hurting after their 3-0 first-leg defeat

"I'd be a fool if I did anything different, we have got to go and match that performance," he added.

"If we are capable of winning 3-0, so are Derby. We can't take anything for granted, we have given ourselves an outstanding chance, that's all that it is. We have to maintain our focus.

Championship play-off guide
Championship play-off guide

We examine the Championship play-offs

"They will be really hurting so we have got to expect some backlash from them. They are a big club, with huge support and big tradition. They will be desperate to put that right. It ain't over, strange things happen in football."

Bruce has a selection concern over goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who is rated at less than 50/50 for the clash.

McGregor missed the first leg with a back injury and is still struggling, so Eldin Jakupovic is primed to keep the gloves.

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