HULL City will prove valuable lessons have been learned when they head to Barnsley aiming for Premier League promotion this weekend, according to manager Steve Bruce.
Since taking a huge leap towards the top flight with a 2-1 win at Ipswich Town 11 days ago, the Tigers' progress towards the season's finishing line has been slowed by a 1-0 loss at Wolves and a 0-0 draw with Bristol City.
The latter result at the KC Stadium last Friday had Bruce accepting nerves had taken hold of his side and, more importantly, allowed third-placed Watford to cut City's lead from six to four points with two games remaining.
The Hornets will either surrender all hope of automatic promotion or increase the heat on City when they travel to Leicester on Friday night.
But whatever task is thrown the Tigers' way at Barnsley on Saturday, Bruce is confident his refreshed side will not be found wanting.
"We'll be better off for Friday, no doubt about it," said Bruce. "You learn to deal with these things.
"Every side is feeling the pressure at this stage of the season. We're seeing it every week. Teams you'd expect to win are dropping points. We've seen it all season, but especially now.
"It's important we stay focused and stay positive because we're the ones in a fantastic position.
"We'll have a good week of training and look forward to this challenge.
"It wasn't easy with three games in six days, with two of those away from home, and perhaps that showed in Friday's game. No excuses though, we know we're capable of more."
City will be boosted by the return of midfielder Corry Evans after he missed the games against Wolves and Bristol City through suspension. He will be available to assume the problematic holding role at Oakwell.
