Scott Wootton is looking forward to renewing hostilities with Jason Cummings when the Central Coast striker crosses the Tasman for the second time in three weeks, this time on A-League Men duty.
Wellington Phoenix host the Mariners on Sunday afternoon with both sides eyeing a first win of the new season.
For Cummings, the match also offers a vital chance to seal a spot in Graham Arnold's World Cup squad.
The 27-year-old scored on his Socceroos debut at Auckland's Eden Park last month and needs goals to earn his seat on the plane to Qatar.
The Scottish convert might fancy his chances this weekend, given his record against Wootton in England's League One as well as the A-League Men.
In 2018, Cummings scored a double and provided an assist before Wootton was hooked in Plymouth Argyle's 5-1 defeat to a Peterborough United side that also included England hopeful Ivan Toney, another striker gunning for a place in Qatar.
At their next meeting in 2020, Wootton kept Cummings quiet in a 1-1 draw.
"He's come over here and done really, really well. He's got talent," Wootton told AAP, suggesting a beer after the match was on the cards.
"I've had a few friends who played with him and they've got a few funny stories. He's always been a character. He's quite good on a night out. I'm well aware of his reputation."
In his short stint in Australia, Cummings has already netted twice against Wootton, in 5-0 and 4-0 wins for Central Coast in April which denied Wellington a place in last year's finals.
"That will be our motivation," Wootton said.
"We're a different team now. We've got new players and a bit more experience."
Wellington's experience was on display last week as they regrouped from an early red card for Brazilian midfielder Yan Sasse to go within a whisker of a win over Adelaide United, eventually drawing 1-1.
Wootton said the side were gutted to concede an equaliser in added time, but on reflection gave themselves a kinder review.
"We played the best part of 70 minutes with 10 men. If you'd have offered a point at halftime, I would have grabbed it with both hands," he said.
"We limited Adelaide to very few good opportunities for so long and we showed great spirit. Unfortunately we just didn't hang on right at the end."
The Mariners are in action for the first time this season after their round one clash with Newcastle was rained out.
Another World Cup aspirant, exciting teenager Garang Kuol, is unavailable for Central Coast as he is away on Young Socceroos duty.
