HULL CITY MANAGER Steve Bruce has hailed the recent form of Stephen Quinn and believes that the midfielder has made a “wonderful start” to the season.
When the East Yorkshire club spent heavily during the summer transfer window, signing midfielders such as Hatem Ben Arfa and Mohamed Diame, Quinn’s place in the team appeared to be under threat.
However, the 28-year-old has featured in all four of the Tigers’ Premier League games this season and Bruce admitted that his performances have created a welcome selection headache.
“Stephen’s like a lot of the players who have been with me for a long time; he has seen the squad get bigger and better, and the one thing he has got to do is perform to a level that makes it very difficult for me [to leave him out],” said the 53-year-old.
“We brought him on against QPR and he instantly made us better. He was arguably our best player against Aston Villa and played well the other night [against West Ham] but he has had a wonderful start to the season.”
Quinn’s fine club form has not gone unnoticed at international level either, as he featured in the Republic of Ireland’s recent victories over Oman and Georgia, but the Hull boss suggested that the excursions had taken their toll.
The Dublin native was withdrawn on the hour mark at home against West Ham on Monday after sustaining a knock.
Nevertheless, he remains in contention for the upcoming clash against Newcastle United.
“He was tired the other night after being away with Ireland,” added Bruce.
“Playing the two games with Ireland, you could see that in him physically but he did very well and he’s continued his good start to the season.”
Hull City take on Newcastle United in the Premier League at St James’ Park on Saturday, September 20.
