By Chris Bevan

Parkin has scored four goals in seven games for Hull

Two years ago Jon Parkin was playing for his Football League future - now he is one of the hottest prospects in the Championship.

In February 2004 the striker joined League Two's second-bottom club Macclesfield from York City and helped the Silkmen stay up at the expense of his former club.

The following season he hit 26 goals to take Macc into the play-offs, and after an injury lay-off at the start of this campaign, nine goals since November earned him a January move to Hull City.

"I still have to pinch myself a little bit because it is such a good move for me to come to Hull," Parkin told BBC Sport.

"It was a bit of a risk to leave York but they were in financial trouble and said they would have to halve my money.

"I was not keen on that so took a chance and went to Macclesfield. I was not fit to begin with but then I had a good pre-season and have managed to carry it on from there.

"Macclesfield boss Brian Horton is very old school but he was good for me. I needed someone to keep me in line and push me forward which he did and that helped me a lot."

Parkin, 24, has made an instant impact since moving to the KC Stadium with four goals in his first seven games for the Tigers.

Once you play a season in the Championship you can learn a lot about this level, and hopefully we will be able to kick on next season Jon Parkin

His no-nonsense approach on the pitch has earned him the nickname of 'The Beast' and he has not tempered his style since stepping up.

"The Championship is quicker and there are better players than in League Two, but it is not as physical," he added.

"In that division you are just up against some big thugs who want to elbow and headbutt you - there is not as much of that now.

"I have not really changed my style though. What you see is what you get.

"When you go to a new club as a striker you want to get a goal as quick as you can.

"Luckily for me I got one in my first game and have managed a few more since then which is pleasing."

Parkin was not the only forward recruited by Hull boss Peter Taylor during the transfer window.

Darryl Duffy arrived from Falkirk and instantly hit it off with Parkin, scoring two goals in three starts.

"When you go to a new club it is hard because you do not know anyone," Parkin said.

JON PARKIN FACTFILE Age: 24 Clubs: Hull (06-), Macclesfield (04-06), York City (02-04), Barnsley (98-02) Career games: 177 Career goals: 55

"But Darryl and I joined at the same time and started to get along together because of that.

"We are different types of players - and luckily we seem to complement each other."

Hull are not quite out of the woods in the battle to stay in the Championship but Parkin is confident that it will only be a matter of time before they climb the table.

"We have a lot of young players," he said. "This team will definitely improve with age and experience.

"Peter Taylor is a top class manager and I can only learn from him.

"After two back-to-back promotions the main thing this year was just surviving and hopefully we are going to do that.