James Tomkins is relishing the prospect of facing Chelsea stiker Didier Drogba on Saturday.
The England Under-20 defender has been in superb form since bring drafted into the West Ham United side in mid-February. Since then, Tomkins has started seven matches, during which time the Hammers have conceded just three goals.
On Saturday, however, the 20-year-old is expected to come up against Ivory Coast international Drogba, who has put together his own impressive run of performances since Dutchman Guus Hiddink took charge at Stamford Bridge in February.
Despite Drogba's physical approach and fearsome reputation, which have brought him 36 goals in 55 games for his country and two Premier League winner's medals, Tomkins insists he will not be fazed by the challenge of shackling the 2007 African footballer of the year.
"I'll approach facing Drogba like I approach every game. I've played against a lot of good players in the Premier League and I've coped with them OK so if I'll keep learning and using those experiences. The experience of the staff here has helped me through. I'm looking forward to the challenge and I like a challenge.
"Obviously he's a great player and has done it at all levels. I will talk to a lot of people before the match about what to do and what not to do and when it comes to it, I'll do what I feel is best. I know he'll be a physical lad and is very strong but I'll do my best. It's going to be a good test, like all strikers are."
For Chelsea, Saturday's game is the seventh fixture they have contested during a packed April, a month that will end with Tuesday's UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg against FC Barcelona. With a trip to the Camp Nou just days away, Tomkins believes the Hammers can take advantage by beating the Blues, strengthening the club's challenge for their own European adventure into the bargain.
"We're fighting for seventh place so that's the target we're really trying to head towards. No matter what side they put out, they're going to be strong. They played on Wednesday and have another game on Tuesday in the Champions League so if any time is a good time to play them, I suppose this is, but it's still going to be a tough game. Whatever team they play they are going to be strong. They've got good players there."
One of those players is England captain and Tomkins' fellow central defender John Terry. Like the West Ham youngster, the 28-year-old spent five years working under Tony Carr at the club's famous Academy before joining Chelsea in 1995 at the age of 14.
While he will be fully focused on his own game beforehand, Tomkins has vowed to seek out the Blues captain after the final whistle to discuss the art of defending.
"When he's not playing Chelsea seem to struggle. He's quite a vocal lad and very much a leader and I want to bring that into my game if I can. The way he's passionate is brilliant. That comes from within, I suppose, but you can't really learn that. The way he is so commanding and has improved at lot on the ball as well is something I'll look at. If I play, this will be first time I've played against Chelsea, so it will be good to talk to him."