FORMER Town loan target Chris Powell intends to see off long-time pal and rival Rufus Brevett for the left-back spot against Ipswich Town today.

By Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

Chief Football Writer

FORMER Town loan target Chris Powell intends to see off long-time pal and rival Rufus Brevett for the left-back spot against Ipswich Town today.

The Blues were keen to sign Powell last season but the Charlton and England defender wanted to stay in London where he also coaches youngsters, so was happy to travel the few miles to West Ham.

He said: “It has been strange because I have known Rufus for a number of years and he was one of the first people that came up to me on Friday - I was very grateful for that because obviously I am coming in and need to settle.

“I want to play and so does he - he had a long time out last year and he is a very good player who is popular here.

“I am under no illusions that if I don't do well if I get the chance to play he will come straight back in.

“I got the shirt against Rotherham and if I get it against Ipswich I have to perform because if I don't he will come straight back in.

“But I think that is what the boss wants with competition and there is also Chris Cohen who plays left back or midfield.

“I think the boss has looked at it and thought if he can get myself and Rufus fighting for a place that can only be good for West Ham.

“Rufus played well at Sheffield, I felt, and obviously he didn't play against Rotherham, which I am sure he was disappointed about.

“But he is a good player - and a witty guy - and we get on well.”

He insists their friendship will survive the rivalry and adds: “He has shown what sort of man he is and I really respect him for that; we will get on with it because the aim is for West Ham.”

Powell respects the Blues but has come out on top against them in the past.

He said: “I watched the game in the play-offs when we knocked them out 2-0 and they are an attacking side who want to play as we do.

“It will be quite open and I am sure the atmosphere will be very good.

“If we can get the three points to take us up to nine for the week that would be a fantastic week, most definitely.”

Fellow new boys Malky Mackay, Calum Davenport, Teddy Sheringham and Sergei Rebrov will all hope to be involved today.

Advance tickets are now on sale for Ipswich Town's home league clash with Plymouth Argyle in the Coca-Cola Championship on Saturday, September 25, kick off 3pm.

Also on sale are tickets for the Carling Cup tie at Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday, September 21, kick off 7.45pm.

For more details call the club's ticket office on 01473 400555.