STEVE Bruce says the onus is on his Hull City squad to take every chance that comes their way as the countdown to the Premier League kick-off begins in earnest tonight.
After the first week of pre-season training blew off the summer cobwebs, the Tigers travel to North Ferriby United this evening (7.30pm) for their traditional opening friendly fixture.
With a City XI also in action at Winterton Rangers tonight (7.30pm), the local double-header will provide every member of Bruce's squad with a run-out before jetting off to Portugal for a week of warm weather training tomorrow.
The Tigers' Premier League return at Chelsea on August 18 is now less than five weeks away and Bruce is eager to see his players stake a claim at every opportunity.
"These games are the start of our preparation for the new season and a good run-out for the players," said Bruce.
"We've had a good, tough first week of training and now it's about getting some minutes under the belts.
"These games are about fitness first and foremost, but it's important for the players to make sure they're ready and in my thoughts for the Chelsea game.
"There's still a buzz around the place and why shouldn't there be?
"There's some really big games ahead for us and there's still that excitement from what they achieved together last year. It's important we keep that going."
Although Bruce will split his squad in two this evening, the majority of his leading lights are expected to face the Villagers at The The Eon Visual Media Stadium, Church Road.
New boys Curtis Davies and Allan McGregor are both expected to make their first appearances in City colours, but fellow summer arrival Maynor Figueroa is unlikely to feature in either game as he works on regaining his fitness.
Elsewhere, Joe Dudgeon should make his return from nine months out. The left-back has not been in action since damaging his knee in October, a problem that ruled him out of the Tigers' promotion march.
Sone Aluko, who has not featured for City since January after Achilles surgery, may be included in the party that heads to Winterton for what should be a lighter examination.
City will hope neither game offers up any injury worries ahead of travelling to the Algarve tomorrow.
A week-long training camp in the Portugal sunshine will see the Tigers face Sheffield Wednesday and SC Braga in Albufeira.
• The Tigers development squad began their own pre-season on Saturday with a 2-0 win against Scarborough Athletic at Bridlington's Queensgate, thanks to an own-goal and one from Calaum Jahraldo-Martin.
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