ALEX Bruce says Hull City can't afford to dwell on any setbacks in what will be an unpredictable promotion run-in, insisting they must maintain belief in their own abilities.
The Tigers suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday – a third loss in five games for Steve Bruce's men.
However, defeats for fellow promotion chasers Watford and Crystal Palace underlined the unpredictability of the Championship, and ensured City remained in second spot with eight games to go.
With their destiny still in their own hands when they return to action after the international break, Bruce says it is vital City put disappointment aside and focus on the positives.
"This Championship is a funny old league. I don't think anyone can go through the season and not get beaten once or twice," the Tigers defender told the Mail.
"We can't dwell on the losses, we just have to take each game as it comes and try and pick up three points.
"When we have had some setbacks, we have bounced back. We got a win at Burnley and picked up the three points after the disappointing result at Crystal Palace, and that was important.
"Yes, we have suffered defeats, but they have been to very good teams in their own right and teams in good form.
"It's inevitable that it is going to happen, it's happened to all teams."
Losses to Bolton, Crystal Palace and now Forest have been mixed in with performances from City at their attacking and defensive best, a 5-2 thrashing of Birmingham and a 1-0 win at Burnley.
And Bruce says the past month has emphasised just how close the Championship is.
He added: "These sort of games are never easy. Unfortunately, we came out the losers on some occasions, but we have also played a lot of good teams this season and come out winners more often than not.
"We just have to remain focussed and we have got to remain positive."
City now have close to a fortnight to regather their composure for a final push for the top flight when travelling to Huddersfield for a televised clash on March 30.
And Bruce, who has linked up with the Northern Ireland squad this week, says it will be important for City to focus on the positives from a campaign which has seen them pick up 21 wins in 38 games so far.
"I don't think we can panic. If you do people start treading on eggshells," he said.
"If we start worrying and being negative it will affect us in a bad way."
