HULL City boss Steve Bruce is urging his side to prove they belong in the Premier League when the new campaign begins with a daunting trip to Chelsea tomorrow.
Fifteen weeks after clinching automatic promotion out of the Championship on the final day of last season, the Tigers are presented with the fruits of their labour at Stamford Bridge.
What is only City's third ever season in the top flight begins as guests to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea homecoming and the televised fixture will see the Tigers predictably installed as huge outsiders to stage an upset.
The experience will be a new one to many of his promotion-winning squad, but Bruce is confident City will not freeze when the curtain rises in the capital.
"I've said from the start of my time here that the key is to enjoy the challenge," said Bruce, who could hand Premier League debuts to as many as five players tomorrow.
"I want them all to go out there and prove they're Premier League footballers. Here's your stage, now go and express yourself.
"All those times when they've questioned themselves, wondering if they can play in the Premier League, here's your chance.
"It's not just this week, it's all season. Can they make a fist of it? I'm sure they can."
With the arrival of midfielders Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore this week taking Bruce's new recruits into double figures, a new-look side will be unveiled at Stamford Bridge.
Goalkeeper Allan McGregor, defenders Curtis Davies and Maynor Figueora and forwards Yannick Sagbo and Danny Graham are all prominent in Bruce's plans but a spine that includes last season's heroes James Chester, David Meyler, Robbie Brady and Sone Aluko will remain.
Bruce added: "I've got things to think about but I'm mindful of the fact players here deserve a chance.
"The majority of players that have got us here are still here and they will play a part."
For Bruce, tomorrow also begins the next phase of his long-term vision for City.
While promotion in 2008 under Phil Brown brought a two-year stay in the Premier League before financial mismanagement took hold, he wants his own return to the top flight to establish the Tigers amongst the elite.
"We couldn't have wanted a bigger test or a bigger challenge," Bruce added.
"All of those dark, horrible nights in the Championship, let's hope days like this make up for it.
"The Premier League is the real deal and to be part of it again was the reason I came in the first place.
"I didn't think it would happen so quickly but we're there again.
"I want to stay here for six, seven, eight years if we possibly can.
"If a club like Wigan can do it, why not us with a bit of shrewd investment and good fortune?
"It's going to be remarkably difficult but I'm looking forward to it immensely.
"One of my coaches said there's been a crackle about the place and he was right."
