STEVE Bruce has promised his Hull City side will deliver a fitting response to their recent stumbles when title-chasing Liverpool arrive at a sold-out KC Stadium tomorrow.
Below-par performances against Southampton and Crystal Palace have brought back-to-back defeats for the Tigers heading into December, stifling much of the momentum built up during a bright opening to the campaign.
Liverpool are odds-on favourites to make it three defeats on the spin for City, but Bruce is adamant supporters will see marked improvements against Brendan Rodgers' men.
"We've done well against all the big teams away from home and there's no reason why we can't have that same attitude to come and play exactly the same way," said Bruce.
"We need to make sure we have a go at it and enjoy the challenge of playing against Liverpool. That's what it's all about.
"I'm looking forward to it because we will be better than we were last week. Whether we'll be good enough, that remains to be seen.
"But as long as we turn up and give it everything we've got on the day, that's all you can ask for."
After last weekend's defeat to a lowly Palace side, the first home loss of the campaign, Bruce has made it clear what he expects from his players.
"I did (lose my temper) because we didn't play. When there's five or six of them down, it's one of those days.
"I think the players knew. I didn't have to say much to them.
"It happens. No footballer goes out and thinks 'I'm going to play badly today' it's just unfortunate it happened.
"What better way to bounce back than playing Liverpool at home in front of the watching world?"
Liverpool's visit to the KC Stadium has inspired a first sell-out crowd this season with the gate likely to top 25,000 for the first time since the Reds' last visit on the final day of the 2009-10 campaign.
City have urged supporters to bring their own banners and flags to transform the televised fixture into a "Black and Amber Day" in front of an international audience.
The issue of banners was an emotive one last weekend when three supporters opposed to the name changes saw attempts to parade a "We are Hull City" sign in front of the East Stand, halted by the stewards.
That altercation typified a darkening mood around the KC seven days ago, but Bruce is confident supporters will give their full backing tomorrow.
"Since I've walked through the door the supporters have been nothing but fantastic towards the team and how we try to play," he added. "I know there's issues about badges and names but it's Liverpool at home, a game we've all waited for.
"Let's enjoy the occasion and the supporters can play their part. When they're behind the team, it gives us a helping hand.
"It's going to be difficult but if they play their part and forget about banners for now, let's make sure we get points instead of badges and banners."
