Nicky Shorey admits he knows all about Fulham teammate Bobby Zamora as they used to play against eachother as juniors.
On-loan Aston Villa fullback Shorey grew up in the same area as Zamora - and several other Premier League stars.
"We used to play against each other in Essex when we were younger," said the former England international, recalling his early teens when he turned out for a youth team called Comet against Zamora's Senrab side that also produced John Terry, Sol Campbell, Defoe and Ledley King.
"I don't think there is a more in-form striker than Bobby. It's a shame he didn't get his chance for England against Egypt but it's not too late for him. If he keeps playing well, it will be impossible to turn a blind eye to him. He's a bit like Peter Crouch. He's good in the air and he's good on the floor."