Jack Collison is ready to put Welsh allegiances aside this Sunday afternoon when Cardiff City arrive in east London looking to spoil the Hammers' grand plans.
All at West Ham United are eager to mount a successful promotion campaign but the Bluebirds will prove stiff opposition, having just missed out on going up last season. Collison knows the Cardiff team well but believed the strong summer work under Sam Allardyce would prove pivotal for the home side this weekend.
"The match can't come soon enough," the Wales midfielder told West Ham TV. "Everyone has been trying their hardest to get in the starting lineup and looking to do their best for the team. We have all been itching for it. I am looking forward this season and to playing as much as I can under him. I am going to give it a real go."
That desire will show itself if selected on Sunday and Collison admitted it was special that he would be taking on a team from the Principality. He is especially looking forward to meeting international colleagues, even if the pleasantries would be saved for the final whistle.
"I might have to give Rob Earnshaw a little bit of stick," he said with a smile. "It is one of the first fixtures I looked for. They have been so close for two seasons on the bounce and a bit unfortunate not to get promoted.
"It will be a test and I know they are raring to go. It is going to be a massive game, we need to start well. The only thing on everyone's mind is getting those three points."