STEVE Bruce is challenging Mohamed Diame to maintain the sky-high standards that have already established the midfielder as a "cult hero" amongst Hull City supporters.
Diame has enjoyed a breathtaking start to life at the KC Stadium following his £3m move from West Ham United on deadline day, scoring four goals in six games from midfield.
Such an impact has quickly been noted on the terraces, with the 27-year-old already adopted as a fans' favourite within just two months of his arrival.
Bruce remains full of praise for Diame and ahead of welcoming Southampton to the KC on Saturday, he is asking the Senegal international to keep providing inspiration from midfield.
"He's had a great start, there's no denying that. No wonder he's becoming a bit of a cult hero," said Bruce.
"He's a very good player at the end of the day.
"Supporters have seen that immediately with his performances.
"It's there for everyone to see how impressive he's been. Supporters soon recognise a talented player.
"We all know how effective he can be.
"It's not just the goals he's scored, he's big, strong and powerful.
"It's been a good start where he's set the bar high very quickly so let's hope he can continue that."
Diame has wasted no time in finding his feet and for the last three games, a run that has seen City bag five from a possible nine points, he has worked impressively with the established pairing of Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore.
In a 3-5-2 formation adopted at the start of the month, Diame has been given licence to attack thanks to the industry of his team-mates.
As well as bringing the all-important opener when City beat Crystal Palace 2-0 last time out at the KC, it helped Diame net a solo goal in the 2-2 draw at Arsenal two weeks ago.
City's midfield will need to be at its best to conquer a Saints side in red-hot form at present, but Bruce is happy with the balance on show in the engine room.
"We've got a little bit of everything in the midfield at the minute," he added.
"We've got a goalscoring threat, we've got good legs and energy and we've got players who can pass the ball well. I've been very pleased with how the three of them have worked together so far.
They're all big, strong, powerful boys and that's what you need in the Premier League."
The lingering speculation linking Bruce to the post of Fulham boss was finally dismissed last night as Kit Symons was appointed as the new Cottagers manager.
In a surprising story that began with the odds tumbling on Bruce becoming the next Premier League boss to leave his post, national newspaper reports yesterday claimed the City manager was considered to be a leading contender to replace Felix Magath in the Craven Cottage hot seat.
Symons, 43, had been in charge on an interim basis following the sacking of Magath last month.
