Tom Huddlestone aims to help Tigers make Cup history

Tom Huddlestone is aiming to become a history maker with Hull City.

And in the process, he could make some of his old friends from North London very happy too.

Huddlestone will step out in Saturday’s FA Cup Final as the Tigers look to win their first-ever piece of major silverware.

However, Steve Bruce’s side will start as big underdogs against Arsenal, with the Gunners trying to end a nine-year drought under Arsene Wenger.

With Huddlestone having spent eight years at Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham, he is receiving plenty of encouragement.

The midfielder was supposed to play in a testimonial for former Spurs captain Ledley King at White Hart Lane tomorrow night, but he has had to drop out.

And Tom knows the only way to make up for it.

“I have had a few texts about the Final,” he smiles.

“When I said I wasn’t able to play in Ledley’s Testimonial, a few people told me that all would be forgiven if we beat Arsenal!

“With a week’s preparation, the club decided it was best for me not to be involved.

“I respect that, and I’ve spoken to Ledley and he fully understands.

“It will add a bit of spice if we do win, but primarily it’s about Hull winning the Cup and me having a trophy on my CV.

“Arsenal are massive favourites, but hopefully the underdog tag can do us a big favour.

“All the pressure is on Arsenal. We just have to go out there, try to stifle their main strengths and find a few of their weaknesses.

“We know we will get a couple of chances, and it is just about being clinical and having a bit of luck on the day.

“I think we can do it. The manager will come up with a game plan and if we can implement what he wants, we’ll have a decent chance.”

Hull have already exceeded expectations by achieving Premier League survival this season with a degree of comfort.

Their run to the FA Cup Final has been a glorious bonus and surprised everyone.

But Huddlestone is not simply preparing for a grand day out under the Arch.

He won the League Cup there with Tottenham in 2008 and his intention is to return to Humberside on Saturday with the trophy.

He’s been a Wembley loser and admits that Hull nearly went that way in the semi-final against Sheffield United as they trailed 2-1 at half-time before eventually winning 5-3.

“We’ve achieved our main objective which was to stay up,” he reasons. “The Cup Final is an added bonus.

“But there is no point getting to a Final if you just intend to enjoy the day and nothing else.

“Wembley is probably the worst place in the world to lose, and I’ve done that twice.

“I lost in an FA Cup semi-final to Portsmouth, who were massive underdogs, and on penalties to Manchester United in the Carling Cup.

“It’s a horrible feeling and one everyone in our dressing-room was experiencing at half-time in our semi-final.

“We had come so far and were about to throw it away after 45 minutes. If we play like that in the first half against Arsenal, the game will be over before it’s even started.”