STEPHEN Quinn has paid tribute to the leadership qualities of Hull City boss Steve Bruce, insisting Premier League rivals Sunderland must now rue the day they ever sacked him.
After a weekend that saw City climb up to 11th in the Premier League with an excellent 3-2 win at Newcastle United, turmoil again engulfed Bruce's former club Sunderland almost two years after he left the Stadium of Light.
Comprehensively beaten 3-0 at West Brom on Saturday, a result which left them rooted to the foot of the table, Sunderland are searching for a third manager in six months after showing the door to colourful Italian Paolo Di Canio.
While the Black Cats are forced back to the drawing board just five games into the new season, Bruce has
returned to the top flight earning plaudits as the man behind City's impressive start.
Tonight brings a Capital One Cup distraction with a third round tie at home to Bruce's former team
Huddersfield Town, another club to hand him his cards back in 2000, and Quinn believes City's rise owes everything to his boss.
"The gaffer is brilliant. He is vastly experienced and makes all the boys in the changing room so relaxed and shows belief in us," said Quinn, who was signed by Bruce last August.
"Credit to him for what he has done here since he has been at the club. It's been unbelievable.
"He got sacked from Sunderland, which was an unbelievable decision when you look back at it now. Hindsight is a great thing, but I bet they would love to have him back now.
"He is also a realist. He knows what he is about and where he is from and he's an honest guy, Everyone was
delighted for him on Saturday.
"He just keeps us calm all the time and said 'Well done, see you Monday'."
Quinn's affinity towards Bruce is clear after becoming the manager to help him back into the Premier League and on to the international stage with the Republic of Ireland.
Despite making his top-flight debut with Sheffield United in 2006-07 as a 19-year-old, the midfielder spent six seasons working his way back to the highest level.
The trip to Newcastle was Quinn's on Saturday first start in the Premier League since May 2007, when the Blades were relegated on the final day. At last Quinn has a new highlight.
"Most definitely. I was only young when I was at Sheffield United, I was 19 and thought I was taking it for granted. The games were coming and going and I wasn't really thinking about them.
"Now I am relishing everything and not taking anything for granted. Most importantly, I am enjoying it.
"I had some misfortune in pre-season when I pulled my hamstring and tearing it. Hopefully, I can play
injury-free now and keep this hamstring strong and kick on for the rest of the season."
Quinn could enjoy a second start of the season tonight when Huddersfield stand between City and a place in the League Cup fourth round for the first time in 36 years.
All of City's priorities lie in the Premier League, but the Irishman added: "Yes it's important, but I am not sure it's of major importance for this season. The Premier League is what it's all about.
"We've got quite a smallish squad for the Premier League and we need to keep as many players as fit as we can. Some of the lads who haven't been getting chances to play will be in, I'm sure.
"We want to progress, but our main aim is the Premier League."
