Hull City manager Steve Bruce expects midfielder Tom Huddlestone to be back to his best sooner rather than later.

The former Tottenham man was dropped to the bench in the 3-0 defeat in the hands of Manchester United. Bruce attempted to change the team in the hope of invoking some response amongst the players. The club has already suffered six defeats this campaign while they have managed only two wins. This record sees them just hovering above the relegation zone. The defeat against United has only worsened the situation while many felt that Huddlestone could have made a difference with his physicality and passing skills.

Bruce, though, says that the recent poor form of the team has led to changes and he does not expect them to be permanent. Huddlestone is one of the club’s most important players. The England international moved to the club in 2013 for just over £ 5 million. He almost helped them win the FA Cup in his first season at the club. Even though he was on the bench when the starting line-up was announced, many expected Huddlestone to make an impact if called upon. That call never came as Bruce brought on Stephen Quinn and David Meyler as the late impact substitutes.

“I just thought he could sit out and have a look at it.Maybe that will freshen him up a little bit and let’s hope it works. It’s fair to say that Tom has not lived up to the heights he did last year.Then again he set unbelievable standards in his first season with us. Tom will come again, I’m convinced of that,” said Bruce after the match.”We made the change and second half we were slightly better with one or two opportunities,” said the former Sunderland manager about the defeat.