Steve Bruce has identified tomorrow's televised date with Tottenham as the perfect stage for Hull City to right the wrongs of a humbling loss to Burnley last time out.
Returning to action after the international break, City are in growing need of a response to the 1-0 defeat at Turf Moor two weeks ago, an "embarrassing" performance Bruce ranked among the worst in his two-and-a-half year reign at the KC.
Tottenham, in equal need of a lift following three defeats in their last four league games, promise to pose a much stiffer test than top-flight newcomers Burnley, but Bruce says the occasion should bring out the best in his side.
"When you play badly, the one thing a footballer should want to do is put it right," he said.
"Here's a wonderful chance. Right in front of the nation, live on TV and big opposition in Spurs.
"We're going to have to be at our best to get anything. If we're anything like we were against Burnley, we'll get beaten by six. It's as simple as that. We can't afford to play like that very often.
"I need a response and I'm sure we'll get one."
If City's fall to 15th in the Premier League was not enough to sharpen minds, Bruce has left his men in no doubt what is expected at home tomorrow.
The Tigers boss was furious with his players in their limp surrender at Turf Moor and stands by his assertion that some performed like "Big-time Charlies" a fortnight ago.
"They needed telling in no uncertain manner that it wasn't good enough," he added.
"I've been in it a long, long time and sometimes you say things you regret. But I'd say the same thing again.
"We did play like a load of big-time Charlies. It was as if we'd show up, jog around and beat Burnley. We tried to guard against that.
"Maybe the expectations have changed in the last 12 months but certainly I was disappointed with the whole thing. If you get beaten, get beaten with your boots on.
"When you see people perform well below the standards you expect, you obviously need a response."
Bruce hopes improvements will be inspired by returning stars Nikica Jelavic and Michael Dawson.
The pair, who have missed the last three games, were the only ones assured of a start by the City boss yesterday, while goalkeeper Allan McGregor and defenders Curtis Davies and Alex Bruce are also back in contention in a near full-strength squad.
Joint top scorer Jelavic has required less than five weeks to come back from knee surgery and Bruce has paid tribute to the striker's commitment.
"Jelavic has done quite remarkably. He was only operated on four weeks ago last Tuesday," he said. "He's been determined to be involved again. He's done 12-hour days to get himself back in."
