Ashley Cole hopes to make his full debut for Derby County against FA Cup opponents Brighton.
The veteran left-back has shown his huge appetite for the game after joining until the end of the season.
“The environment is vibrant and buzzing. Having a young manager coming in, maybe with a different way of working and a different philosophy, is good," he told the Mirror.
“The boys work hard in training, it is intense. Hopefully, now we can kick on. And I am ready to play my part. It was nerve-racking at the start. But I have gelled with the team and I'm looking forward to integrating more.
“I've called him 'Lamps' on the odd occasion, by mistake.
“We were good friends before and now he is my manager and I have to listen and respect him. But that hasn't changed to how I treated him before. He knows what he can get out of me and I know what is expected."
