IF Hull City are going to find the victories they need to secure their place in the Premier League, they have to get back to giving their wing-backs quality service.
The outstanding form of both Robbie Brady and Ahmed Elmohamady was key to the Tigers climbing up to their lofty position in the race for automatic promotion.
But in recent games, especially on Tuesday against Watford, we saw them struggle to make an impact on the contest.
Brady did the better of the two, occasionally getting a one-on-one and into a position where he could try and whip the ball in.
But on the whole, they were feeding off scraps as the Tigers lost the battle in central midfield, and they were on the backfoot.
I don't buy into the fact that players like wingers struggle on the boggier grounds, as it is all about the service they get.
City's system has been based around a solid defence and midfield all year, and it was only against Watford on Tuesday that the influence and importance of David Meyler was highlighted.
I have said in previous columns how his form has been a bit up and down, but without him, City lacked that combative edge in the middle of the park which allows them to win the battle for possession, and play on the front foot.
He also is a player who will make excellent runs into the box and create space for others.
I am sure Steve Bruce can't wait to have him back in the side, as winning that central battle is key to unlocking the massive threat that City possess out wide.
Poor Jay Simpson and Gedo must have been tearing their hair out against Watford as they had no service at all.
However, if City can get back to supplying the ball in front of Brady and Elmohamady for them to run at defences, rather than the ball being played to them with nowhere to go, we will see chances created in great number, as we did a few weeks back.
Unlike before the New Year, when City were creating chance after chance and they were not being taken, they now have the players in the ranks to finish.
Gedo has shown he has the knack in front of goal, as has Boyd with some great finishes.
I am sure Bruce will be getting the message over to his midfielders this week that they hold they key.
