Hull City manager Steve Bruce has refuted speculation that he has fallen out with Newcastle United loanee Hatem Ben Arfa.
The Frenchman has not played for the Tigers since being hooked in the first half of their 3-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester United last week.
Reports have claimed that Bruce is ready to send Ben Arfa back to St James' Park, but the 53-year-old has insisted that he has not yet given up on the winger and hopes that he will strive to show his best form and get back in the Hull team.
He told reporters: "There's no bust-up - of course he's not happy about being taken off but he's got to be treated like everyone else and win his spurs back by trying hard and getting back in the team.
"There is no disputing he has got ability but ability is not enough at this level so he will be treated like everyone else. We will see what December and January brings and I will sit down with him and see where we are."
Ben Arfa was not included in the Tigers squad which drew 0-0 at home to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
Joe Fish
