James Tomkins will be looking to get one over England Under-21 team-mate Michael Mancienne when West Ham United host Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In an interview with the official matchday programme for Sunday's Barclays Premier League fixture, the 20-year-old revealed how he had got to know Mancienne well during the duo's time at last summer's UEFA European U21 Championship finals in Sweden.
Tomkins made his U21 debut partnering Mancienne in England's 7-0 friendly victory over Azerbaijan in June, and the pair have since become manager Stuart Pearce's first-choice central defenders.
However, the young Hammer said any friendships would count for nothing when West Ham take on Mick McCarthy's side this weekend.
"I have known Michael for quite a while and we have played together for the England U21s," said Tomkins.
"I rate Michael as a good player. He is very versatile and can play at right-back, centre-back and in midfield. He is very good on the ball and is a nice lad too. We've played together quite a lot now and we get on well.
"It will be good to see him again today, but obviously it's more important that we pick up the win and the three points that we need."
In a wide-ranging interview, Tomkins also discusses his increasingly important role in Gianfranco Zola's West Ham team, his support for close friend Jack Collison following the death of the midfielder's father, and moving out of home.
Sunday's official matchday programme will be available in and around the Boleyn Ground, priced at £3.50.
Alternatively, you can order your copy online here.
In an interview with the official matchday programme for Sunday's Barclays Premier League fixture, the 20-year-old revealed how he had got to know Mancienne well during the duo's time at last summer's UEFA European U21 Championship finals in Sweden.
Tomkins made his U21 debut partnering Mancienne in England's 7-0 friendly victory over Azerbaijan in June, and the pair have since become manager Stuart Pearce's first-choice central defenders.
However, the young Hammer said any friendships would count for nothing when West Ham take on Mick McCarthy's side this weekend.
"I have known Michael for quite a while and we have played together for the England U21s," said Tomkins.
"I rate Michael as a good player. He is very versatile and can play at right-back, centre-back and in midfield. He is very good on the ball and is a nice lad too. We've played together quite a lot now and we get on well.
"It will be good to see him again today, but obviously it's more important that we pick up the win and the three points that we need."
In a wide-ranging interview, Tomkins also discusses his increasingly important role in Gianfranco Zola's West Ham team, his support for close friend Jack Collison following the death of the midfielder's father, and moving out of home.
Sunday's official matchday programme will be available in and around the Boleyn Ground, priced at £3.50.
Alternatively, you can order your copy online here.