Steve Bruce praises Hull players for their lack of fear in Palace win

Hull City boss Steve Bruce has praised his side's bravery in the 2-0 win at Crystal Palace and says the result has given them a fighting chance of avoiding relegation.

The Tigers, who are just one point and two places above the Premier League relegation zone with five games remaining, face Liverpool at home on Tuesday evening as part of a fearsome run-in.

As well as fellow-strugglers Burnley, Arsenal and Manchester United are still to visit the KC Stadium with their one remaining away game at Tottenham on May 16.

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And Bruce admitted he was as pleased with the way his players rose to the occasion as much as the result at Selhurst Park, which he hopes augurs well for the season's climax. 

"It's like playing in a derby game - you forget about playing the game and just get caught up in the occasion and sometimes it can grab hold of you," he said.

"I remember my first experience was an FA Cup semi-final and I was hopeless - the occasion got to me and I couldn't put one foot in front of the other.

"You have got to take the pressure off and remember how to play and that's what pleased me at the weekend - we didn't look in any trouble and we played without fear."

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Mohamed Diame and Andy Robertson are pushing to return from injuries which kept them out of the win at Palace, although David Meyler remains suspended.

Striker Dame N'Doye scored both goals against Palace and Bruce is hoping for more from his £3m man.

"Dame has got five goals in eight games which is a terrific return by him at just the right time," added Bruce.

"He usually scores his goals in bunches so let's hope there are a few more around the corner and he can get the goals that keep us in the division."