STEVE Bruce believes the "absolutely immense" contribution of Abdoulaye Faye typified Hull City's spirited resistance in pursuit of the Premier League.
The Tigers produced a stirring response to last week's 1-0 loss to third-placed Watford with a priceless 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Although noticeably troubled by anxiety during a tight encounter at the KC Stadium, Robbie Brady's free-kick was enough to open up a three-point advantage over Watford, who could only draw 0-0 with leaders Cardiff City.
A 15th clean-sheet of the season proved decisive and Bruce was full of praise for veteran defender Faye.
He said: "There's a great spirit and a good bit of character in this group. At times you have to dig deep and we've done it time and again this season.
"I singled out Abdoulaye for praise because I thought he was absolutely immense, fantastic.
"He would have headed the stand if you'd have thrown that at him, he was terrific. It's been a long time since I have seen a performance as good as that from a centre-half."
The importance of Faye, as well as the faultless James Chester, was heightened on Saturday as yet another central defender was lost to injury.
After seeing Paul McShane and Jack Hobbs ruled out with ankle injuries, Alex Bruce was forced off with a calf problem in first-half stoppage time.
Scans were due to take place today but father Steve held little hope.
The loss of three central defenders will force City into abandoning a 3-5-2 shape at Ipswich this weekend, and Bruce said: "The big thing will be whether we can keep handling the number of injuries we're collecting. The average football fan will think because they're getting paid so much money, players can play every game. But if you keep asking a player to play at this intensity, you will collect injuries.
"I doubt we'll see Alex again this season. Typical of him he wanted to play when he was half-fit because he knew the enormity of it. But that's left us short now. We'll not know how he is until the scans.
"The whole situation is difficult, but we'll cope."
Although the potential loss of Alex Bruce tempered the joy of Saturday's win over Middlesbrough, the Tigers could toast another step towards the Premier League.
Crystal Palace's 0-0 draw with Barnsley suggests it is a two-horse race between City and Watford for second spot, and a three-point lead for the Tigers was built at the end of a difficult week. Thirteen points from the last five games would now guarantee a top-flight return for Bruce's men.
"Watford have got tough games but so have we," he said.
"Can we follow this up with five more wins? If we do, then we're promoted, it's as simple as that. It sounds easy but it certainly won't be."
