MATTY Fryatt has admitted his delight at being told he will lead the Hull City attack in the FA Cup final, having feared a promise made by Steve Bruce may not be kept upon their return to Wembley.
Fryatt became the first name etched on City's team-sheet to face Arsenal next weekend after scoring in a 3-1 defeat at Manchester United on Tuesday.
Bruce hailed the striker's influence as a half-time substitute at Old Trafford and afterwards revealed he would be rewarded with a leading role as City chase their first piece of silverware a week on Saturday.
Fryatt was told of his manager's plans as far back as last month after scoring in the semi-final win over Sheffield United, but says confirmation has still come as a huge relief.
"I thought the manager only said that in emotion after the semi-final and that it was all done in the heat of the moment," said Fryatt, who has only started five league and cup games for City all season.
"I just said, 'Hold your promises'. So I am delighted to hear he has said this again.
"It is brilliant to hear that is still the case because I haven't really played since the semi-final.
"Obviously, if fit I am not going to turn down the chance to play in an FA Cup final."
Fryatt pulled clear as City's top goalscorer in the midweek loss to Manchester United, hitting the target for the sixth time in all competitions.
He hopes for further reward with a full Premier League debut against Everton on Sunday.
"I have been resting all season so I want to play against Everton. I would love to. Whatever chance I get to play, I want to do as well as I possibly can," he added.
"Whether that be five minutes, 45 minutes or starting the game. I just want to do my best for Hull City."
A start at Wembley next weekend promises to be the biggest moment of a career that has seen Fryatt score in all four divisions with Walsall, Leicester and the Tigers. It may also prove to be his City swansong.
Although Bruce has pledged to offer the 28-year-old a new deal at the end of the season, it remains unclear if Fryatt will extend a stay at the KC Stadium that began in January 2011.
After recovering from an Achilles injury that ruined his 2012-13 season, Fryatt has struggled to hold down a place in Bruce's plans.
"At the minute, I am a free agent. I don't know (about my future). I haven't really thought too much about it. This has been an odd season," said Fryatt.
"It could work out to be the best season of my career and yet I have played the least, barring the season I lost through injury.
"Career wise, this is the highest place I have ever been with a team and I have just got on with it. We will see what happens.
"What chances I do get, I want to do well. Obviously, the lads have been superb this year and I respect the signings we have made. That is why I have had to wait for a chance and I understand that. But although that has been frustrating, I have still enjoyed it."
