James Tomkins cannot wait to lead West Ham United out into a sold-out Boleyn Ground on Thursday evening.
The Academy graduate has been granted the honour of captaining the side in their UEFA Europa League first qualifying round first leg clash with FC Lusitans.
With not a seat to be had, the centre-back says the Hammers’ return to continental competition at the start of the historic Farewell Boleyn season will be a memorable occasion.
“I’m hugely excited, as playing in Europe is massive,” the No5 confirmed. “We all want to play on the top stage, playing against teams from different countries, different cultures, it can only improve you as a player and develop you, so we are all really excited, for the youngster it’s an opportunity.
“There are 35,000 people coming to the match. Not many other teams would sell that many tickets for a Europa League game.
“It’s a cliché but we are taking each game as it comes. This is the Europa League and is a competition we want to do well in. We are looking forward to Thursday, to starting the season well
“This is the last season at Upton Park, so we want to send it off in the best way possible and the Europa League is the start of it.”
Instead, the Essex-born player says he and his teammates are relishing competition football at a time of year when they would normally be flying to far-flung destinations for pre-season training camps and friendly matches.
The defender will lead a team that includes a smattering of senior stars, including Diafra Sakho and Mauro Zarate, alongside a number of the Club’s outstanding young professionals.
“It’s definitely a bonus to be getting that competitiveness so early in year,” he confirmed. “To have a team which is a mix between seniors and youngsters is brilliant for the lads.
“For the youngsters to play in such a big game is massive for their development. Us seniors will try to help them along, as it’s brilliant to play in these kind of matches.”
New manager Slaven Bilic will be observing from the stand as Tomkins and the Europa League first qualifying round squad concentrate on beating the Andorran Primera Divisio runners-up.
The Croatian has asked Academy Manager Terry Westley to take the team on Thursday, but the defender knows the new boss will be watching proceedings carefully.
“At the minute, the Gaffer is training with the other group in Cork and the lads are saying how good training is,” Tomkins confirmed. “All good managers have that presence. As soon as they come into the room you can hear a pin drop at times and that is the kind of presence he has got.
“I have met him myself briefly and he’s really excited to be involved with us this year, he has stated that in the press. I’m looking forward to working with him.
“The manager is someone who has made a great name for himself here. The fans loved him and he will be warmly introduced to everyone on Thursday.
“We are all looking forward to working with him.”