Hull City manager Steve Bruce has admitted that his side are lacking in firepower, as they bid to try and beat the threat of relegation from the Premier League.

The Tigers are currently without both Nikica Jelavic and record signing Abel Hernandez due to injury and the lack of a cutting edge was obvious for all to see in the 3-0 defeat at West Ham on Sunday, which left City still inside the drop zone after a third loss in four games.

Bruce admits that the loss of his big investment up front has left his side a little toothless, although he did also rule out a bid for Blackburn Rovers frontman Rudi Gestede, who has been linked with Hull.

“We invested heavily in strikers and unfortunately they’re not there to take the chances that we created,” Bruce said. “Of course they’re all bitterly disappointed and you look round and see so many players injured.”

Bruce was also left with fresh problems in defence following the reverse at Upton Park, with Alex Bruce limping off with a thigh problem and Wales international James Chester ending the day in hospital after dislocating his shoulder.

However, the Tigers boss is hopeful of being able to bring in some fresh faces before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month, Bruce adding: “I wouldn’t say I’m close, but I’ve got two or three people to see. We should know more about that by the end of next week.”

Meanwhile, City are 2.52 to win at home to Newcastle on January 31st, with the draw 3.05 and a Magpies victory 2.66.