Hartson determined to make mark against Rio in ‘biggest match of his life’

JOHN HARTSON will face former team-mate Rio Ferdinand determined to leave his mark on the biggest international match of his life.

The bustling Celtic hitman first saw Ferdinand, whom he is likely to face when Wales take on England on Saturday, when the Manchester United star was a 16-year-old at West Ham.

The pair have been mates ever since and Hartson says he knew instantly that the cool and confident defender was a star in the making. Now Hartson will confront his old pal knowing Ferdinand is making his long-awaited England return after serving his ban for missing a drugs test.

But the Welshman insists old friendships will count for little when Wales meet England at Old Trafford in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier.

“It is huge day for me, you dream of playing for Wales but never expect to be playing in a World Cup qualifier against England,” Hartson said.

“But sometimes you can let the occasion get to you. Martin O’Neill made the point to us at Celtic last week when we were in Milan, that there is no point looking around and admiring the place. You need to leave your mark on the game.

“There’s no point just loving the big stage and all the atmosphere. But if you lose it’s a real waste. I am aware of that and how important it is to play well, not just to take part.”

Hartson as may also face another pair of former West Ham colleagues, Joe Cole and Frank Lampard.

Hartson said: “I am looking forward to playing against Rio. And the same thing applies to Frank Lampard and Joe Cole as well.

“I saw Rio’s formative years, I first watched him play when he was 16 and he was a class act even then, no different to now really. You knew immediately he would become a really big player.

“All three of them were a few years younger than me. I went to West Ham when I was 21 and they were all youth-team players.

“Those three were a bit special and they have all gone on to become fantastic players,” said Hartson.