STEVE Bruce has hinted he could turn to Nick Proschwitz as the Hull City boss attempts to pep up his attack for Leeds United's visit to the KC Stadium tomorrow.
A disappointing first half of the campaign has seen Proschwitz fall well short of justifying the £2.6m transfer fee that sealed his summer move from German club SC Paderborn, starting just one of the last 21 Championship fixtures.
The dramatic late brace that inspired a 2-1 win over Ipswich Town in October continues to stand as the one highlight of Proschwitz's time in English football, but Bruce is considering a recall either against Leeds tomorrow lunchtime or at Blackpool on New Year's Day.
The frustrating 0-0 draw with Leicester City on Boxing Day has pushed City's attacking fortunes back under the microscope ahead of the all-ticket Yorkshire derby.
Although eight goals came in a run of four consecutive wins over Nottingham Forest, Watford, Huddersfield and Derby, both Aaron Mclean and Jay Simpson have failed to find the net when deployed at the head of City's attack this month.
Simpson, who has now scored just once in his last 14 appearances, is under most scrutiny after missing a hat-trick of chances against Leicester and could be forced to make way if Bruce chooses to reshuffle his pack.
The patient Proschwitz has emerged off the bench in six of City's last seven games and his manager admits the German's time will soon come.
"To be fair to Nick, who hasn't really had a chance here, maybe now, in the winter months, it's his turn," said Bruce.
"It's not been easy for him since he came but we've been seeing signs in the last couple of weeks that he's settling into the English game."
The return of Sone Aluko from injury to face Leicester provided Bruce with another option as he looks to battle through the festive campaign, before the FA Cup tie with Leyton Orient on January 5 will provide the chance to rest a selection of first-team regulars.
City have no fresh injury concerns to contend with ahead of hosting Leeds, but were today expecting the final confirmation of David Meyler's recall by Sunderland.
The 23-year-old had been set to return to his parent club before Christmas only to pick up a one-match ban when collecting a fifth yellow card of the season in City's win at Derby seven days ago.
Martin O'Neill was happy for Meyler to continue training with the Tigers but has made his intentions clear that the Irishman will head back to Wearside ahead of facing Spurs at the Stadium of Light tomorrow.
CITY fans are reminded that tickets for the game with Leeds will not be available on the day of the game.
A limited number of tickets will be on sale between 9am and 2pm at the KC Stadium ticket office today and online until midnight tonight. Approximately 22,500 tickets had been sold as of last night.
