HULL City boss Steve Bruce believes his squad has all the defensive strength needed to stay in the Premier League as he weighs up a tricky selection dilemma ahead of travelling to Swansea City.
With Curtis Davies available after a one-game ban and Paul McShane hopeful of overcoming a hamstring injury, Bruce could have a full compliment of defenders available for the first time this season for Monday's trip to South Wales.
James Chester, Alex Bruce and Maynor Figueroa made up a three-man defence in the 2-0 loss at Arsenal on Wednesday and with support offered by Abdoulaye Faye off the bench, the Hull City boss may need to pick from a pool of half a dozen defenders.
All six players have started at least three of City's 14 Premier League games this season, contributing to a total of just 18 goals conceded.
And just as promotion out of the Championship was built on deep defensive foundations last season, Bruce is confident he has the rearguard to stave off relegation this term – regardless of who he picks.
He said: "Defensively, we've been very good since I've been here. We've never scored too many goals and if you look at my defenders over the last 18 months, that's where we've been strong. We never give much away and, touch wood, that will remain the case.
"Whatever team I've picked, they've all played a part in getting us here and helping us to make a decent start.
"With Maynor Figueroa, Allan McGregor and Curtis Davies added to it, they've certainly helped our cause."
Discussing his options for Monday's trip to Swansea, Bruce added: "Paul McShane has got a chance. We'll train over the weekend and see how he is.
"There's Curtis Davies coming back into the squad again too so it's going to be a difficult one for me.
"That's my job, from time to time I'm going to have upset one or two people. As a manager you'd much rather have choices than be down to the bare bones.
"I can only try and pick the team you think is the right one. That's how every manager is judged.
"Our performance against Liverpool (a 3-1 win last weekend) was our best of the season so that's in my mind."
Davies appears a certainty to return after an outstanding run was only ended by a one-game ban, but the precise make-up of City's defence is open to debate.
Figueora appears the safest bet on the left-side of a three, but Alex Bruce, Chester and McShane could all count themselves unfortunate if they were to miss out.
Recent injury problems for Chester and McShane will be in their manager's mind, though. Chester made his first appearance in 10 weeks at Arsenal and Bruce added: "I thought he was like us as a team. He found the start very difficult but the longer it went on, the more confident he became.
"I felt he did okay, as well as anyone else. He stuck at it.
"We'll have to look at him and see if he's capable of playing two games in five days. Those are the things I have to weigh up."
