Hull to up security following Long abuse

Hull manager Steve Bruce has revealed the club will up security at the KC Stadium after Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long was abused by West Brom fans in front of his four-year-old daughter at the weekend.

The incident happened after Long won a penalty and scored Hull’s second goal in their 2-0 win over his former side on Saturday. Bruce said: “We’ll look at a bit more security outside the ground because it was a little unsavoury, especially when he’s got his daughter with him.

“There’s one or two mindless idiots, there always are unfortunately. It was upsetting for him at the time.”

Long is a doubt for tonight’s trip to West Ham (kick-off 7:45pm) but Bruce feels his arrival and that of Nikica Jelavic in January gave the club a lift at a vital time.

“Just at the right time, him and Jelavic gave us all a lift,” Bruce said. “He’s been a terrific signing. Hopefully there’s a lot more to come. As I said repeatedly, for a newly-promoted team he just ticks all the boxes, his attitude, his workrate, his commitment to the cause — he’s a real team player and that goes for Jelavic too.”

For his part, Sam Allardyce has been impressed with Bruce’s transfer business. He said: “The additions Steve made have turned them into a side, who in their first season, look capable of being safe in the Premier League.”