Dean Windass insists he is happy to wait for his opportunity at Hull and is determined to grab it when it comes.
The veteran striker has fallen down the pecking order at the KC Stadium and been a frustrated onlooker for much of the Tigers' impressive first Barclays Premier League campaign.
The 39-year-old, who has been linked with other clubs, ruffled feathers with some outspoken remarks about his lack of action earlier this season but has since shown willingness to fight for his place.
After a long spell of being overlooked altogether by boss Phil Brown, Windass has been on the bench for the past four games and played in two of them, against Portsmouth and Liverpool.
‘I'm getting a bit more light at the end of the tunnel,’ said Windass. ‘But it's very difficult for the gaffer, there are a lot of players that aren't playing. You've just got to keep your head down.
‘The manager will tell you he's had no problems from me whatsoever - apart from banging on his door every week asking why I'm not playing.
‘I've always been like that and will continue to do that, keep reminding him that I am still available.
‘I'll just carry on playing and when I get the opportunity I've got to take it. I think I've shown if I'm playing on Saturday or if I'm sub I can make an impact.’
Windass earned his place in Hull folklore when he fired the winner for his hometown club in last season's Championship play-off final against Bristol City.
The club have not looked back since and are sixth heading into this weekend's home clash with Sunderland.
Windass has watched as Marlon King, Daniel Cousin and Brazilian star Geovanni have all shone up front and the former Bradford and Middlesbrough man has been impressed with what he has seen.
He said: ‘I think you get some players who when they're not in the team don't want the team to do well. But I'm not like that, I'm a Hull City fan.
‘I want them to stay in the Premier League and I'm the first person to jump up when people score. My aim is to try to keep Hull City in this league and if I can help to do that I'll be delighted.’
Hull face a Sunderland side in transition after the departure of manager Roy Keane but at least buoyed by last week's 4-0 win over West Brom under the guidance of Ricky Sbragia.
‘I would rather be playing Sunderland with Roy Keane in charge than Ricky Sbragia,’ Windass said. ‘I know Ricky from when I was at York years ago on trial and he is a good coach. He's been around the block as well.
‘I think under a caretaker the shackles come off a bit and the players play with more freedom and a smile on their face. It will be a very tough game.’
