Fulham defender Chris Baird admits he is not relishing the prospect of facing speed merchant Theo Walcott.
Former Saints team-mates set for a reunion in the Premier League
Fulham defender Chris Baird admits he is not relishing the prospect of facing speed merchant Theo Walcott on Saturday.
The two were team-mates at Southampton before Walcott left for Arsenal in a deal worth £12 million in January 2006.
Baird's versatility has seen him deployed as a left-back and if he continues in that role, he will come up against the in-form winger.
And it is a task the Northern Ireland international admits he is not relishing.
"No, no, he is very quick," said Baird when asked if he was looking foward to the clash.
"Theo was fantastic, even at such a young age [at Southampton].
Problems
"Obviously he was thrown into the team but the more games he played, the more confident he got, scoring a few goals."
He added: "His pace always caused defenders problems. I am glad he is doing well at Arsenal. He deserves it.
"He has been fantastic for them this season so it is a hard game for us. We will go there with our confidence and see what happens.
"Arsenal are on fire right now. They had a really poor start but they have turned it around massively.
"They have got Robin van Persie banging in the goals for them so we have to be on our game to stop him and Arsenal from getting their result."
