By Wayne Gardiner

Last updated 11:47, Friday, 29 August 2008

IF HULL pull off an upset in tomorrow’s Carnegie Challenge Cup final at Wembley, rookie coach Richard Agar will be happy to share the responsibility for their success.

The 36-year-old will be in charge of only his 14th first-team game when he leads the Black and Whites out against St Helens for the club’s third final in four years.

And, after taking charge at the KC Stadium in May following the sacking of Peter Sharp, Agar is keen to stress his former mentor’s role in Hull’s Wembley run.

“I always acknowledge the part that Peter Sharp has played in getting us to this final,” said the former Dewsbury player.

“I was a young coach and worked under him for two years and he was a great coach to work for and a very hard-working one too.

“I was tremendously disappointed when he left the club and I still speak to him a lot, almost daily. He wishes us well for the final.

“I’m quite sensitive to the fact that two rounds of this cup run were under him and two rounds have been under me, so we have played an equal part if you like, and that’s certainly something that I recognise.”

Hull secured their final berth with a thrilling 32-24 win over Wakefield at the end of July but have struggled for form ever since, winning just two of their five league games.

They have struggled for league form all season though, with a crippling injury list and below-par performances from a number of players leaving them floundering in 11th place.

But, with a number of key performers such as Garreth Carvell and Adam Dykes set to return, Agar is hoping his side can show their true colours on the big day.

“We know that our form in the league has been poor but nonetheless we have earned our position in the final and we aim to make the most of it,” he said.

“We have had a very tough year, what with a lot of injuries and then losing a coach.

“There are one or two other things that have gone on as well but despite that we’re in our third final in four years with a squad that has a lot of young and British players.

“We have had a poor league season and we have recognised some of the reasons why, but we’re still a very good club in good shape. We do know, though, that we need to do a damn sight better in the league next season.

“We’re looking at the final only now, though, and focusing on making sure we do ourselves justice after earning our place.”