Steve Bruce has claimed that Ahmed Elmohamady will be one of the key players heading into the festive period as Hull City look to steer clear of the relegation zone.

Despite Hull's struggles this season, Elmohamady has been in consistent form, and the Egyptian is expected to play his 71st consecutive game in the Premier League against Swansea City this weekend.

"I've managed Elmo for the best part of five years now, and he's been an absolute saint for me," Bruce, who worked with Elmohamady at Sunderland, told reporters. "He is just so consistent and has got all the attributes you need to be a success in the Premier League.

"He trains well, never misses a session, and he is never injured. I don't think he has missed a training session in all the time we have been together, and to clock up 70 games on the spin in the Premier League is a quite remarkable achievement.

"But long may that run continue, because Elmo is going to have a big part to play in our bid to get away from trouble and push into mid-table, that's for sure."

Hull are currently 19th in the table with just 13 points from 16 games.