Steve Bruce lauded the efforts of his stand-in players as Hull City secured an impressive point in a 0-0 draw at Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.
None was worthy of more praise than goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic, the hero at the death when denying Mario Balotelli with virtually the last action of the game.
"He's waited a long time," said Bruce. "He's come on against Arsenal and he's played today and he's done nothing wrong. He's made a couple of really good saves.
"I'm delighted for him. He's had to be patient. There's been some dark times for him when he's not even travelled. I'm pleased he's managed a clean sheet here."
Jakupovic spent time on loan at League One side Leyton Orient last season and his new deal this summer came as a surprise to some fans. But Bruce feels his decision has now been vindicated.
"We rewarded him with a two-year contract in the summer," he said. "We said to him, 'be patient, keep working away at it' and you've seen today a very, very good display and if he can keep playing like that then I'm very, very pleased."
Bruce also reserved high praise for the returning Robbie Brady, who outplayed Liverpool star Raheem Sterling after coming into the starting line-up for the injured Andy Robertson.
He said: "Robbie never gave (Sterling) a kick. Robbie spent a long time last year waiting and waiting. But the last two weeks he's looked himself again.
"Robertson will probably be fit next week but how would I say to Robbie Brady after that performance that you're not playing last week? He'll be the first name on the teamsheet."
Jakupovic meanwhile is already looking ahead to repeating his clean sheet against Southampton at the KC Stadium next week.
He said: "I'm just happy to take a point here and to help the team. Now I hope I can continue with this performance."
