Abdoulaye Faye is looking forward to his West Ham United debut and is eager to start as he means to go on.
The imposing Senaglese international defender was an unused substitute for Sunday's league opener having just returned from a minor hamstring problem, but has been back in training for a week.
The centre-back is looking to bring a strong mentality to the team and help make Hammers a side that others fear as well as one the fans love to watch.
"I signed for Stoke and now everybody is scared of playing against them. When I left Newcastle, they went down!" he said.
"It would be nice if everybody was scared of playing West Ham. We have a good team, but we need to be strong and hard. Stoke don't have the players like West Ham, but they are very strong. Everybody at Stoke was a very good player, but they also have good, strong mentalities.
"We have very good players here, so we can be the same."
Faye will bring plenty of experience to the dressing room and will be a big help to Allardyce's young guns, with the likes of Junior Stanislas and Frank Nouble also in line for their first competitive run-outs this campaign. He will look to set the right example but also play his part every single week.
"I'm 33, but I still feel good. I am fit because I look after my body. I'm not one for going out every night. Sometimes I do go out, like every person, but not a lot!
"Throughout my career, I have always played. I don't stay on the bench. Last year, I had a little problem at Stoke City, but I've never had any other problems in my career so I've always played.
"I'm ready to do a good season. I know this is not going to be easy but I like the challenge."
*To read an in-depth interview with Abdoulaye Faye, order the matchday programme for the visit of Real Zaragoza here.