GARY Hobson is on a Tiger hunt as the experienced centre-back looks to return for the Boxing Day derby against Hull City.

The 29-year-old defender turned out for the Boothferry Park outfit142 times in five-and-a-half seasons, but that will mean nothing as Hobson and his Minstermen team-mates battle for survival.

Hobson, who has shaken off the knee ligament injury which has ruled him out in recent weeks, was in line to play some part against Rochdale on Saturday until the match fell foul to the cold snap. But now he is hoping to line-up against his former club on Boxing Day.

"I've trained for a few days now and it feels all right," he told the Evening Press. "I just want to get back as quick as possible to show I'm fit and ready.

"I thought I would struggle to get back before Christmas, but to be fair I've forced it a bit and feels a lot better.

"I would have preferred to have had a reserve game, but sometimes you can't afford that."

If Hobson is included for the clash it will be the first time he has started the always eagerly anticpated derby in a red shirt.

"To start a game or to be involved against my old club would be great," said Hobson, who hails from North Ferriby.

"I go and watch them - I've seen them a few times this season and they are a decent side.

"But you obviously want to do well against one of your old sides."

Hobson, who went on to play for Brighton and Hove Albion after leaving Hull, feels the difference in league position will count for nothing on Boxing Day.

"Three points will be crucial and with four games over Christmas and New Year we need a few points to get out," he said. "We need to pull out of the bottom and get ourselves up into mid-table as soon as possible.

"I think it helps playing derby games, it is good for us at the moment. We can put away the form guide and our position for this one because this is a big game.

"I remember playing at Hull against York and these are the games that you look forward to."

As well as Hobson, Matt Hocking and Alan Fettis are former Tigers, while boss Terry Dolan had a spell in charge on the East Coast.

And Hobson is looking forward to the see what reaction they will get from the travelling Hull support - the club have sold out their 3,700 ticket allocation.

"I don't know whether I'll get stick or banter from the Hull fans. I think I've got a reasonable rapport with them as I was there a long time. I've always been okay with them," he added.

"No doubt I will get a bit of stick just because I'm playing for Terry and he got hammered there.

I don't mind that, it livens things up a bit."

Updated: 10:55 Monday, December 24, 2001