KSC Lokeren vs Hull City preview - Bruce desperate to strengthen squad

Posted Wednesday, August 20, 2014 by PA

Hull boss Steve Bruce has admitted he faces a race against time to boost his squad after losing new midfielder Robert Snodgrass for six months with a knee injury.

Bruce will take his team to Belgium for Thursday night's UEFA Europa League play-off first leg against Lokeren after an opening Barclays Premier League win at QPR that came at a price.

Summer signing Snodgrass suffered a dislocated kneecap in the 1-0 win at Loftus Road and must undergo further scans to determine the extent of possible ligament damage.

In addition, Alex Bruce is ruled out with a back injury and, following the sale of Shane Long to Southampton last week, Bruce is fully aware of the need to act before the transfer window slams shut.

Bruce told the media prior to the flight to Belgium: "We're trying to add to the squad as we know we have to - we've lost two big players in the last week.

"We didn't envisage losing Snodgrass for six months, which is a big blow for us because he was brought in to give us that little bit of quality in the midfield area and it's been a huge blow for us over the weekend.

"We've got 10 or 12 days to try to bring in a replacement, and two or three offers went out in the last 24 to 48 hours."

Bruce has already indicated his intention to make wholesale changes to his line-up for the clash with Lokeren, who are currently seventh in the Belgian Jupiler League with two wins from their first four games.

Yannick Sagbo is expected to return from suspension to partner Sone Aluko up front, while Maynor Figueroa is also expected to figure after starting on the bench against Harry Redknapp's men.

Bruce added: "I will be changing my team around and giving the players who got us into Europe last year the chance to play in Europe.

"I think working that way is what gives us the spirit that we've been playing with. They're all going to get their chance."