ALEX Bruce is confident he can hold down a lead role in Hull City's future as he plots his long-awaited return to the Premier League next season.
Bruce enjoyed a commendable first campaign with the Tigers after signing on a free transfer from Leeds United last summer, making 37 appearances to help City clinch automatic promotion out of the Championship.
A place back in the top flight is the defender's reward and, seven years after his last Premier League appearance, he believes he can make the grade.
"You've got to back yourself," said Bruce.
"You look at individuals who you've played against over the years in the Championship and they've gone into the Premier League and done great.
"You never know how someone is going to do until you give them the opportunity.
"Some players can do better in the Premier League than they do in the Championship, it's a totally different ball game. We'll see who does well and hopefully I can be one of them."
Bruce's last taste of the top flight came in 2006 when again playing under father Steve during their time together at Birmingham City.
Six appearances all came as a 21-year-old during the Blues' ill-fated relegation season but Bruce admits his brief fling with the Premier League came too soon.
Spells with Ipswich, Leicester, Leeds, Huddersfield and City have since seen the centre-back amass over 200 appearances and he believes that experience will serve him well.
"When I was younger I was at Man United and Blackburn so I was brought up through the Premier League but left to go and learn my trade," he said.
"I had a little taste of it with Birmingham and when you've had that, you always want to get back there.
"I've tried for the last three or four years to do it so to get there is fantastic.
"It came too soon for me last time. I was thrown in at the deep end with Birmingham and we were on a bad run.
"Playing for my Dad when I was unproven and didn't have the experience was difficult, but to get the games under my belt gives me confidence that I can go there and do okay."
Promotion sets up only City's third season in the top flight, three years after their previous stint amongst English football's elite ended with the club in financial disarray.
The Tigers' board have vowed to avoid those pitfalls second time around but City will inevitably
begin the new season as favourites for the drop.
Bruce believes that could yet work in City's favour and said: "The pressure is off in many ways.
"We'll be going to most grounds next year as the underdogs but we'll give a good account of ourselves I'm sure.
"We've got to try and follow the example of those clubs like Swansea and Wigan, who have gone into the Premier League as underdogs, and done really well.
"If we can make the KC a fortress, like we did against Cardiff on the final day, we can have some great occasions here."Have you seen our new sport section?Bookmark hulldailymail.co.uk/sport for the very best and exclusive local content.
