Hull manager Steve Bruce said he had no choice but to sell Shane Long to Saints in the summer – because of the size of their offer.

The forward moved to St Mary’s in a £12m deal and will come up against his old side tomorrow for the first time as Ronald Koeman’s high fliers visit the KC Stadium.

Bruce revealed there had been no plans to let the Republic of Ireland international leave, but they could not say ‘no’ when Saints tabled such a large bid.

“I have to be honest and say it was a deal I never saw coming,” said Bruce.

“It wasn’t until 48 hours before the move we heard about Southampton’s interest and then it was done very quickly.

“Sometimes you get an offer for a player that you just can’t refuse. Longy was one of those.

“We doubled our money in a short period of time and it enabled us to strengthen in other areas.

“We were able to go out and get players like (Mohamed) Diame and (Abel) Hernandez.

“Sometimes, as a manager, you have to make a decision and this was one that came out of the blue really.”

Bruce had only signed the 27-year-old six months previously, but praised his contribution in the short time he was at the club.

“He’s a good lad and a good player,” he said. “He did very well for us in the time he was here.

“In January, we needed that bit of experience up front and to get him and (Nikica) Jelavic in together made all the difference to us.

“He was only here for six months or so, but Longy played a part in keeping us up. There’s no question he is a very good player.”

Tomorrow’s game will see two teams high on confidence, with Saints winners in nine of their last ten outings, while Hull are unbeaten in three – including draws at Arsenal and Liverpool in their last two matches.

“Apart from the big boys, Southampton were easily the best side in the division last season,” said Bruce.

“They turned us over pretty comprehensively twice.

“It’s a big test for us. We’ve had two very good results away (at Arsenal and Liverpool), but this is equally as tough. They’re a very good team.

“A few people expected them to find it difficult after all the changes in the summer, but they’ve bought well again. And Longy is one of those players.”