Swansea City player manager Garry Monk is looking forward to squaring up to a familiar face when he takes charge of his first FA Cup match at Everton this weekend.
Everton v Swansea
FA Cup Fifth Round
1.30pm, Sunday 16 January
Goodison Park
Winners receive £180,000
Monk had a fairytale start to life as Swans boss, guiding his charges to a 3-0 win in the South Wales derby against Cardiff City, before following up with a creditable draw against Stoke City.
He will now pit his managerial wits against his former Swansea team-mate and manager Roberto Martinez, who guided Wigan to glory under the Wembley arch last season.
Monk is an admirer of Martinez's talents and says the Spaniard really made an impact upon him during his time at Swansea.
He told Swansea's website: "I got to form a really good bond with him [Martinez] when he was here.
"I've learnt a lot from him and he is great guy at the top of his game right now.
"But it will be good to see him and his staff as well. We keep in contact and I'm sure that relationship will always be there."
The Swans have already eliminated one Premier League heavyweight, Manchester United, from the competition this term and Monk believes a win at Goodison Park in the Fifth Round would set his side up well for the rest of the season.
“I've learnt a lot from Roberto and he is great guy at the top of his game right now”
Garry Monk
He added: "Of course we want to progress. We had a good experience in a cup competition last year [when Swansea won the League Cup].
"The competition has massive history and all the players will be aware of it growing up and one they look forward to playing in.
"But if we can come through this month with some good performances and good results, then I think it will stand us in good stead for the rest of the season."
