Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink confirmed FC Twente coach Steve McClaren influenced his move to Hull City.

"I still had an ambition to play abroad but it was a gentleman's agreement I could train there," said the 30-year-old former Celtic striker.

"Everyone knows me there, I am homegrown there and played in the first team for six years. It was a nice experience and it kept me fit.

"I spoke with Mr McClaren because he was also a player here and he liked it here very much. He said good things about the club."

Vennegoor of Hesselink, who is hoping to win a Holland recall in time for next summer's World Cup, is pushing for his first Barclays Premier League start against Birmingham on Saturday.

The former PSV Eindhoven star featured as a substitute in last week's 4-1 defeat at Sunderland.

"I wanted to have a challenge and still had an ambition to prove myself," he said. "I waited long enough and a great thing came along.

"I wanted to prove myself at the highest level and I can do that at this club.

"Fitness-wise there is nothing wrong with me and I am ready to go. It has been long enough since I played an official game.

"With the result last week, this is an important game."