HATEM Ben Arfa will look to promote his chances of a Hull City debut next week as the France international makes his first appearance in club colours this afternoon.
In a behind-closed-doors friendly away to West Bromwich Albion, Ben Arfa will be handed an opportunity to impress alongside fellow new boy Gaston Ramirez at the Baggies' training ground.
The fixture against a strong West Brom side has been specifically arranged to top up fitness levels during the international break and the biggest beneficiary should be Ben Arfa.
Without a Premier League start since March following a fall from grace at parent club Newcastle United, the on-loan playmaker is short of match fitness ahead of West Ham United's visit to the KC Stadium.
Ben Arfa's most recent taste of action came for the Magpies' under-21s team when he scored a brilliant goal in a 5-2 win over Reading two weeks ago, but it is hoped he can be sharpened against West Brom today.
The carrot dangling in front of the 27-year-old is the Hammers' visit to the KC on Monday.
A week has passed since Ben Arfa completed a shock season-long loan from Newcastle and he is hungry for the chance to prove a point in the Premier League.
It would appear unlikely the former Lyon and Marseilles man will be considered for an immediate start after such a period of inactivity, but an encouraging display today will certainly boost his chances of facing West Ham.
The same incentives await fellow deadline day loan signing Ramirez.
Although the Uruguayan was used as a substitute in Southampton's most recent game, a 3-1 win at West Ham, he has not started a competitive game since April.
The star-studded game could also include Joleon Lescott, who almost signed for City this summer, Cristian Gamboa, Silvestre Varela and Sebastian Blanco, as West Brom also make the most of a welcomed contest.
One player who will arrive back with the Tigers later this week close to full speed will be record signing Abel Hernandez.
The £10m striker, signed from Palermo last week, played 77 minutes of Uruguay's 1-0 win over South Korea yesterday.
Hernandez could not repeat the heroics that saw him net in Friday's win over Japan but the friendly games ensure he can begin his City career without fitness concerns.
Hernandez will now be assessed in training over the weekend before manager Steve Bruce selects his new-look side to face West Ham in front of the Monday Night Football cameras.
