STEVE Bruce admitted he could have no complaints after seeing his depleted Hull City side exit the FA Cup with a third-round defeat to Arsenal.
Goals from Per Mertesacker and Alexis Sanchez condemned the Tigers to a 2-0 loss at the Emirates and denied them revenge in a repeat of last season's final.
A City team that included 10 changes from the side that had beaten Everton on New Year's Day could not produce the heroics that had pushed Arsene Wenger's men all the way in May, and now the only remaining focus will be on Premier League survival.
Bruce said: "We had huge results against Everton and Sunderland. That put us back in the pack.
"It was a big ask to come to the Emirates after three games in six days, especially with the injury problems we have.
"I made ten changes but it was not a case of disrespecting the Cup, as we had one of the best days of our lives last year. However, the problems we have got meant we had to make the changes.
"My midfield, in particular, Livermore, Ramirez and Meyler, had run 45, 46 and, in one case, 47 kilometres in six days.
"To ask them to go and do it again wouldn't be possible. This was always going to be difficult when pulled out of the hat, especially after a gruelling schedule.
"It was a fair result. We huffed and puffed for a long period but we never really had the cutting edge to make the tie come alive."
Many of Bruce's changes were enforced after the full cost of the Everton victory became apparent yesterday.
Liam Rosenior is unlikely to play again until April due to a badly torn hamstring, while both Andy Robertson (ankle) and Gaston Ramirez (groin) are facing between four and six weeks out.
James Chester (knee) and Nikica Jelavic (illness) were also ruled out of yesterday's game, forcing Bruce to use the full depth of his squad.
One player to seize his chance was Harry Maguire.
The £2.5m signing from Sheffield United performed admirably in the City defence, twice denying Sanchez with brilliant tackles.
"I thought Harry Maguire had a good game. I wouldn't have paid the money I did if I didn't think he could play at this level," said Bruce.
"He has been champing at the bit to play. He has had to wait, but I think you saw against Arsenal that he can perform. He looks a very good prospect."
Another to catch the eye upon his return was Paul McShane, who has not featured since a fall-out with Bruce.
The City boss insisted that disagreement is now a thing of the past after McShane apologised privately.
Bruce added: "I have to say he played very well. I can't say anything else. Listen, in management sometimes you have to make decisions that are not always popular.
"For me, it is forgotten about. He has apologised and said he was bang out of order. He is back in the squad and did his chances no harm, as I expected.
"He never ever lets you down. The problem Paul has got is he wants to play week in and week out. But I don't pick him week in and week out. Therein lies the problem."
