Jermain, an almost certain starter at Reading, is hoping to repeat his exploits of last season when he scored a superb volley at Walsall in the first leg of the second round.
That 15 minute substitute appearance was his only one in a West Ham shirt before he went to Bournemouth to continue his scoring exploits for them.
In effect the goal, just a week under a year ago, ensured the Hammers' safe passage to the next round because the home leg ended in a draw.
"It seems like ages away but it wasn't really; I will never forget that night," he recalls.
"The goal was a left footer as well, one of the best goals I have scored - and hopefully there are many more to come.
"A lot of big teams aren't too keen on the Worthington Cup but I think it would be great if we could go for it and try to win it.
"All the lads are looking forward to it and we are confident we will win.
"It is a nice stadium and pitch so hopefully that will suit us; hopefully we can get a victory and confidence will be high."
With Jermain likely to start at Reading in the absence of Fredi Kanoute, he should get his wish to get more minutes under his belt.
"I have got into the pace of it and I just want to play more games; the more games you play the better you get used to it," he says.
"I have played against Reading twice and scored against them both times so hopefully I can do it again.
"I really enjoyed it against Albania when I played for England U21s last week because I started."
He says he will shrug aside the memory of his late miss at Derby on Saturday when Svetoslav Todorov set him up to break through.
"We had a lot of chances to win the game and I am disappointed I didn't take my chance towards the end," he admits.
"I got in the position and I should have knocked it across the keeper.
"It all happened so quickly and I snatched at it rather than get it from under my feet.
"I had two or three more shots on goal and just got on with it.
"When I missed I was disappointed and said to myself 'what am I doing?'
"But I said it doesn't matter because there's always another game and I will try to put it right.
"I can't wait to get the first Premiership goal, and whenever it comes it will be great.
"I think we were unlucky on Saturday and that we will do well this year."
Jermain admits he did not expect to replace Paolo Di Canio at Pride Park, and adds:
"I was quite surprised and I think he was shocked as well.
"He didn't say anything but he shook my hand, so that was good.
"It was a pair of fresh legs and there were only 15 minutes to go."
But, he adds, the enthusiastic response of the away support lifted him enormously.
"It helps a lot when all the fans are behind you because it makes you want to play better and work harder - and it gives you confidence as well."
Defoe is 5/1 to open the scoring tonight - click for details.