DEFENDER Michael Welch insists he has no fear ahead of Accrington Stanley's huge pre-season friendly clash with Premier side Blackburn Rovers.
The two teams will meet at the Fraser Eagle Stadium next Wednesday with the match all-ticket with NO pay on the gate (ko 7.45pm).
And the UEFA Cup side are expected to include the likes of Robbie Savage, Ryan Nelson and new boys Jason Roberts and Francis Jeffers in their line-up.
"I am looking forward to playing against Robbie Savage," admitted Welch, who has just signed a new one year deal with the Reds - with a one year option depending on appearances.
"And Jason Roberts will certainly be a handful as he is a big strong lad. Phil Edwards knows him from his Wigan days and says he is the strongest player he has played against in training so it should be fun for me!
"But these games are brilliant. All the lads are looking forward to it. You want to try and pit your wits against the best and Blackburn got into the UEFA Cup this year and are one of the best teams in this country.
"It gives all the Accrington players a chance to see what level they are at. It will show how good - or bad - you are as a player!
"I would have liked to have played against Craig Bellamy but he has gone now but they have a loads of international players worth millions of pounds.
"It is a big game and it is amazing to think that they won the league just over ten years ago.
"Hopefully I will have Jason Roberts in my pocket!"
Stanley left back Leam Richardson will also be relishing the clash as he is a former Rover's trainee.
Meanwhile ex- Macclesfield defender Welch has admitted he is not a big fan of pre-season training but he will be raring to go for the start of the new League Two campaign on August 5.
"I cannot stand pre-season. Some people like to run, some play football and running is the bane of my life. Pre-season is the worst six weeks of my life! But you have to do it and I can't wait to play back in League Two.
"I have spent a year out of it and it has been a great year with Accrington winning the league but I am glad to get back there now.
"It is a big season for me as I feel like I have a point to prove to a lot of people - especially a couple of managers - in that league.
"Football is all about opinions and some managers like you and some don't - and that is football but I want to show a few people what I can do.
"There are some great games for me as I was at Chester and Stockport at the start of last year so they will be great clubs to go back to. Then there is my old club Macclesfield. I have a lot of friends in that league and there are a lot of players I grew up playing football with so I can't wait now."
The 23-year-old knows the battle is on for a centre half slot with Welch, Robbie Williams and Andy Tretton at Stanley from last season and now former Ivory Coast Under 21 international Julien N'Da has joined the competition for places.
Welch and Frenchman N'Da did link up well in Stanley's 3-2 loss to Burnley last Saturday and Welch is hoping he can seal his spot.
"I don't mind competition for places as I think it makes you a better player. Wherever you go it is there and you just have to deal with it as it is part and parcel of football.
"There is always someone vying for your place and they are vying for your livelihood as well so you have got to make make sure you do better.
"Julien has showed some good touches and he seems like a nice lad.
"I think we do compliment each other as he has a nice bit of pace and I am quite strong in the air.
"He was talking to me against Burnley but I haven't a clue what he was saying as it was all in French! But I understood what he meant and at least I knew he was there!"
TICKETS for the Rovers game are available from Stanley's club shop or Ewood Park. It is £10 Adults and £5 concessions. There will be segregation.
