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Steve Bruce fears losing loan stars Jake Livermore and Danny Graham from Hull’s battle for Premier League survival.

Tottenham midfielder Livermore and Sunderland striker Graham have made key contributions to the Tigers impressive start to the season after joining boss Bruce’s newly-promoted side on year-long temporary deals in the summer.

But Bruce is worried that Spurs, pushing for a Champions League slot, and the Black Cats, who are in a desperate fight to dodge the drop, will recall the pair to bolster their squads for the second-half of the campaign.

Sunderland chief Gus Poyet has already hinted at an early return to the Stadium of Light for Graham, while White Hart Lane boss Andre Villas Boas is fully aware of Livermore’s fine form for City.

Bruce admitted: "There is a possibility that Jake and Danny will be going back to their parent clubs, and that is something we just have to live with.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened, and we have to be ready for it. It’s a concern.”