Dickson Etuhu is determined to break up Fulham's rock-solid partnership of Danny Murphy and Jimmy Bullard.
The former Sunderland midfielder might have a task on his hands, although it could be made easier if the Whites' captain picks up a fifth booking of the season at Stoke City on Saturday.
Murphy and Bullard have been ever-presents in Fulham's central midfield this season, while Etuhu is still waiting to make his debut since his switch from the Stadium of Light this summer.
But the Nigerian international, who was on the bench for the first time in Saturday's draw with Manchester City, is hell-bent on forcing his way into Roy Hodgson's starting XI.
He said: "Jimmy and Danny are top players. "It would be hard for any player to get into that midfield.
"But I'm willing to work hard and do whatever it takes. I will get my chance sooner or later."
The 26-year-old has played just two first-team games since injuring his medial ligaments for his country in the African Nations Cup almost a year ago.
But while he admits he's still a couple of games away from full fitness, Etuhu has ruled out a loan move.
"I want to stay here and fight for my place," he said. "A loan is out of the question.
"I need a couple of games. I've been out for a long time, and my body's not the same at the moment. I'm getting there and working really hard to do the extra training."
Fulham travel to the Britannia Stadium on Saturday unbeaten in five games but still searching for their first away win of the season.
Roy's boys will come up against Rory Delap's 'Delapidator', and defender Brede Hangeland (right) admits there's not much they can do to stop it.
He said: "I've seen they have the longest throw of all teams in the world.
"I haven't ever thought about conceding a corner rather than a throw, but maybe that's a good point.
"There's not much you can do. You've just got to challenge for it, and hopefully win the first or
