Hull endured a difficult 2009, winning only five of 38 Premier League games and narrowly avoiding relegation in May, but can look back on a momentous decade. The Tigers were in the fourth tier 10 years ago and climbed to the top flight for the first time in their history in 2008. Results may have nose-dived in the past 12 months but summer signing Vennegoor of Hesselink reckons the team have turned a corner and are on the rise again. "I think the camp is positive and everyone is looking forward to the challenge," said the Holland international. "There are a few games coming up that are interesting and we have a big challenge ahead of us. "I think it is a great challenge. If you look at the team and the positive vibe we have, it is only good going into 2010. I think it is going to be a good year. "We are fit, hard-working, strong and we can also play football. I am very confident." Hull begin 2010 in the bottom three but morale is good after an unbeaten November and spirited displays in defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as in a 2-2 draw at Bolton. The only thing now concerning Vennegoor of Hesselink is his lack of starts after nine successive games on the bench, but that could change in Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie at Wigan. The 31-year-old former Celtic striker said: "Of course it is frustrating but you do everything you do when you come on. "Everyone wants to play 90 minutes but it is not always the case and you have to accept that. "But it is a great league and I am really enjoying playing games in the Premier League." Manager Phil Brown is set to make wholesale changes for the trip to the DW Stadium after two draining games in the past week. That could see Vennegoor of Hesselink and Kevin Kilbane, both regular substitutes of late, feature alongside a number of fringe players and youngsters. The prospect of playing in the FA Cup appeals to the Dutchman, who coincidentally opened his Hull goalscoring account against Wigan in October. He said: "I always looked at the FA Cup as a young boy on TV in Holland. "The cup is much bigger here. It is something traditional. "It is my first sniff of it and I am looking forward to it. It's great to say you've played in the FA Cup." Hull reached the last eight of the competition last year but, with a relegation battle ahead, a similar run this term could be more by fortune than design. Peter Halmosi, Steven Mouyokolo, Caleb Folan, Kamel Ghilas and Nathan Doyle are among those to have featured little this season who could play. In some cases Brown, who must cut the wage bill in January, might also view the tie as a chance to put players in the shop window. Brown said: "Yes it would be nice to have a good FA Cup run but it wouldn't be nice to get injuries. "They can take a toll in these extra games and the bottom line is the biggest challenge for us is to make sure we are a Premier League club for a third year in a row. "I think we have got enough to put a side together that will go to Wigan and cause them problems." One player keen to stay despite speculation he could be leaving is Mouyokolo. The 22-year-old Frenchman has made just five appearances since his summer move from Boulogne. Mouyokolo said: "When you like to play you cannot be happy to be sat in the stand or on the bench. "That is disappointing but it is the gaffer's decision. "But I'm happy here. I feel good, training good, the body is good and the mind is good. "All I need to do is work and I am happy to stay here."
