Despite being held to a goalless draw by AS Trencin on Thursday night, Alex Bruce still believes that Hull City is discreet about their confidence of reaching the Europa League play-offs.

The Tigers were favorites to beat their Slovakian opponents in their first competitive European fixture in Zilina but came away from their third qualifying round first leg with a stalemate.

It was not surprising for Bruce that the visitors did not get things according to their plans, but he is hopeful for a positive result at the KC Stadium to carry them through next week.

"It was a tough game for us, particularly because we've only had a couple of friendlies and they are into their season," he said.

Friendlies are not the same as competitive matches, Bruce said, and that their opponents were just a bit fitter than they are. "If it was during the season and we are at peak fitness and match sharp, I'm sure we would have won quite handsomely. But we have had the benefit of that game now and I'm sure we'll be quietly confident of doing the job at home."

Huddlestone has missed spot-kicks while at Tottenham, but what really did surprise Bruce was to see his side's penalty taker fail from 12 yards.

"I think everyone in the ground thought it was going in, we all know how cleanly Tom striked the ball," he said as they could have one if Huddlestone had not missed.

"We've missed a few penalties as a side so I'm going to start taking them, but then we really would be in trouble."

Hull City will have a lot of games this year and it is essential for them to have a big squad and utilize each player for every game that they play.

"The new lads did have a bit of impact when they came on and we need to keep it fresh."

The second leg will be played at Hull's KC Stadium on Thursday, 7 August.