Hull City manager Steve Bruce has challenged his team to maintain the form that they have shown at the start of the Premier League campaign.

The Tigers, who twice came from behind to defeat Newcastle United at St James' Park last weekend, have won seven points from their opening five games of the season.

"We've hit a high standard, so the challenge for us is can we keep that standard?" Bruce told reporters. "Every week we're pitting ourselves against really good teams, really good players and really good coaches. This is the stage you want to perform on.

"Whenever you play against a Sam Allardyce side, you know what you're going to get. I think he sometimes gets unfair publicity about the way his teams play and if you look at what he's done over the last ten or 15 years in the Premier League, you know you have to be at your best to beat him.

"They'll be committed, organised meticulously and really difficult to play against. They've got a really good squad of players so it will be a hard test. Our home games are going to be critical and we're playing well at the minute."

Hull's two defeats this season came away from home against title contenders Chelsea and Manchester City.