Portugal delight for Agar

HULL FC coach Richard Agar says he has been delighted with the attitude and performance of his players during an intense week of training in Portugal.

As the squad's warm-weather training camp nears its conclusion, Agar revelled in the stark contrast to last year's ill-fated week on their travels.

Hull will return home from Brown's Hotel complex in Portugal's Algarve on Thursday afternoon.

This time last year, FC had only a handful of players fit enough to train, with most spending more time in the rehab room than out on the field.

But, as the team prepared for their penultimate day of full training today, Agar boasted 21 fit first-team players.

"All the staff here couldn't be happier with how the week has gone and the attitude and output from the players has been first rate" Agar told the Mail.

"It is great to be able to come back here this year with almost an entirely fit squad and to be able to get the work done which we feel we need to do.

"It has been a really productive week both on the field and off the field and I think everyone is enjoying it."

Of the 23 first team players away at camp only Motu Tony and Danny Washbrook have been on the sidelines, with the two working hard to continue their rehabilitation from injury.

With Gareth Raynor and Dominic Maloney left at home injured, and Michael Crocker not arriving in time, Agar also took the opportunity to take three of his young reserves on camp.

"Because we had some space we brought James Green, Liam Cunningham and Danny Nicklas along with us for the experience" said Agar.

"The young guys have made a massive contribution this week and have injected something extra. It will be a big benefit to them being here."