PETER Gentle is hoping the buzz of derby week will lift his Hull FC team to a vital victory and kick-start their season.
Hull host Rovers at the KC Stadium on Good Friday bidding for only their third win of the season from nine attempts.
Admitting his side have not enjoyed the season so far, Gentle says a win against their bitter rivals can bring a smile back to West Hull and be the perfect fillip to a disappointing campaign so far.
"We are not enjoying our footy at the moment and we haven't been enjoying our footy," Gentle told the Mail.
"Everyone is frustrated, not only me but the players. We are all in this together.
"But everyone thrives on this game and derby week. The players have to enjoy this week. It is like a carnival atmosphere, it is like a Grand Final, it's one of the biggest games of our year and the players have to enjoy that. I love derby week, I cannot wait for this game to kick off."
Gentle is eager to see his side play with a smile on their faces after a frustrating two months which have seen FC stutter along.
The coach's mood was further tested this week, with full-back Shannon McDonnell unlikely to feature against his old side.
Already without Gareth Ellis, Kirk Yeaman and Daniel Holdsworth for the derby, the loss of McDonnell is a bitter blow for Gentle, who has no ready-made replacements to bring in.
Reserve full-back Jamie Shaul has only returned to training this week following injury, with stand-off Danny Nicklas also not fit to play.
"Shannon is extremely doubtful, I don't think Daniel Holdsworth will be playing either. I'm not playing games, I'm open about it, they're unlikely," added Gentle.
"Danny Nicklas is not right to play either with an elbow problem and Jamie Shaul has not played for eight weeks and has just started to come back from a knee problem, so we are a bit skinny in a few areas."
