Bruce hopes Egyptian influence helps Hulls promotion push

Goals from home debutant Gedo, within 90 seconds of his half-time introduction, and Ahmed Elmohamady were enough to secure a somewhat fortuitous victory over Derby, who levelled in the 84th minute through Jamie Ward only to concede soon after.

Bruce said: "We've got three of them (Egyptians) at the moment and they'll play a big part. I'm convinced of that."

While Sunderland winger Elmohamady is enjoying a second loan stint at the KC Stadium, Gedo and Ahmed Fathi are settling in following temporary moves from Al Ahly at the end of the January transfer window.

Bruce, whose side now lie second behind runaway leaders Cardiff, is delighted to have such talent at his disposal and believes there is much more to come from City's Egyptian contingent - providing they can adapt to their new surroundings.

"The boy Gedo showed his class. He's an international footballer and I think he's got 19 goals in 30 games so we know he has got quality," said the Tigers boss. "A big credit goes to the chairman. He's worked wonders to get him here. I didn't think it would be possible to get two international footballers on loan, and Fathi will be a big player for us too."

Bruce feels many people in this country are guilty of underrating Egyptian players.

"We don't think they are a big footballing nation, but they are and they have always been a really good team," he added.

"Al Ahly play in front of 75,000 every week; they're the Man United of Africa really, so it's no surprise that they (Gedo and Fathi) are good players. Obviously they've got to adapt to England, but they are good players - simple as that."

Derby boss Nigel Clough felt his side were extremely unfortunate to come away from the game empty-handed and he said: "It would have been a thoroughly deserved point. It was a very good away performance at one of the favourites for promotion and I can't ask any more from our players whatsoever."

Source: PA

Source: PA