STEVE BRUCE is back in the Premier League and hoping to fly the flag for British bosses.

Steve Bruce's arrival to the Premier League brings the total number of British and Irish managers in the top flight to 11

The Hull manager, who takes his team to Chelsea tomorrow, was written off after being sacked by Sunderland but led the Tigers back to the big time in his first season in charge.

Bruce brings the British and Irish contingent of Premier League bosses up to 11 – over half the division. Only Manchester United’s David Moyes has had more top-flight experience among the Brits.

Bruce, who also guided Wigan and Birmingham to impressive Premier League finishes, said: “I’ve been fortunate because there’s not many British managers who have done 10 years in the Premier League. You take a big pride about that and if you’ve got anything about you, it’s where you want to be.

“I’m delighted to be back. You miss the big time”
Steve Bruce

“I’m delighted to be back. You miss the big time.

“It’s going to be remarkably difficult but I’m looking forward to it immensely. One of my coaches said there’s been a crackle about the place and he was right.”

Bruce is set to give debuts to Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore, the midfielders signed from Tottenham, the latter on loan.

Scotland keeper Allan McGregor, defenders Curtis Davies and Maynor Figueroa and forward Danny Graham are all likely to make their first league starts for the club.

History is not with Hull, who have not won on any of their 19 visits to Chelsea, over more than a century.